EETS INC

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Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric power accounts for nearly 20% of global electricity generation and is recognized for being both clean and efficient. Once operational, a hydroelectric plant produces no direct waste and emits low levels of CO2. EETS has been actively involved in the water power movement since 1984, beginning with our first hydro project – the refurbishment of Virginia Ranch Dam in Yuba County, originally commissioned in 1962. Since then, EETS engineers have collaborated with both public and private sectors on a multitude of hydroelectric projects, with power production capacities ranging from 250kW to 685MW.

SPOTLIGHT

Hydroelectric Projects

Upper American River, California

SMUD Upper American River Hydro (UARP)

EETS was tasked with providing the electrical design for new PLC-based hydroelectric governors and turbine shutoff valve controls for ten hydroelectric units across seven locations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These locations include Loon Lake Powerhouse (1 – 82MW Pelton), Robbs Peak Powerhouse (1 – 29MW Francis), Camino Powerhouse (2 – 75MW Francis), Union Valley Powerhouse (1 – 46.7MW Francis), White Rock
EETS was tasked with providing the electrical design for new PLC-based hydroelectric governors and turbine shutoff valve controls for ten hydroelectric units across seven locations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These locations include Loon Lake Powerhouse (1 – 82MW Pelton), Robbs Peak Powerhouse (1 – 29MW Francis), Camino Powerhouse (2 – 75MW Francis), Union Valley Powerhouse (1 – 46.7MW Francis), White Rock Powerhouse (2 – 112MW Francis), Jones Fork Powerhouse (1 – 11.5MW Francis), and Jay Bird Powerhouse (2 – 72MW Pelton).
Powerhouse (2 – 112MW Francis), Jones Fork Powerhouse (1 – 11.5MW Francis), and Jay Bird Powerhouse (2 – 72MW Pelton).
Constructed primarily in the 1960s, these ten units represent approximately 685MW of generating capacity. Additionally, EETS was responsible for the electrical design for refurbishments at Slab Creek Powerhouse and Camp Far West.
EETS’s work scope included:
  • Formulate detailed Scope Plan
  • Review alternative governor architectures and vendor-specific solutions/procure and review requirements
  • Conducted a detailed review and cross-referencing of existing facility documentation at SMUD’s Fresh Pond office for governor and TSV control functions, including station drawings, operations and maintenance manuals, design data, machine and penstock model analysis, and commissioning test results
  • Design new 12kV electrical service from Pacific Gas & Electric
  • Reconnection of existing plant service at 12kV level
  • Design for new 750kVA solar field, step-up transformer and utility interconnection
  • Piping and instrumentation, one-line of governor and TSV functions
  • Programmable logic controllers and associated equipment
  • Process instrumentation and control systems

Alameda County, California

Alameda County Water District WTP #2 Energy Recovery Hydro

The six hydroelectric turbine generators had the capacity to generate 1.25MW of electricity from the incoming water flow of the South Bay Aqueduct. Four out of the six 250kW generators were replaced with 300kW turbine generator units. EETS engineers developed the electrical design for these four new induction generators, including their protection and control. This upgrade resulted in savings of upwards of half a million dollars for the water district, compared to the purchase pricing from PG&E.

Mokelumne County, California

PG&E-Electra Hydroelectric Power House

The Electra Powerhouse, constructed to replace the Old Electra Powerhouse and completed in 1948, plays a crucial role in the Amador Water System (AWS). It diverts water from Lake Tabeaud into the Amador Canal, which then supplies two water treatment plants, Tanner and Ione. Additionally, a portion of the water from Lake Tabeaud is channeled through the Electra Powerhouse for hydroelectric generation before being released
into the Mokelumne River, ultimately reaching the East Bay Municipal Utility District and its Pardee Reservoir. As the largest powerhouse on the Mokelumne, capable of generating over 100MW of electricity, Electra often serves as a control station for the entire system, particularly in terms of power interchange. The power is then delivered to one of the two 230kV transmission lines, combining with the output from the Salt Springs and Tiger Creek plants. Given that Lake Tabeaud functions as a forebay, the Electra Powerhouse is able to adjust its load in steps, contributing to grid stabilization. EETS engineers were responsible for the design work involved in replacing three field circuit breakers and three generator neutral grounding transformers, as well as the generator field cables for the three units.
The Electra Powerhouse, constructed to replace the Old Electra Powerhouse and completed in 1948, plays a crucial role in the Amador Water System (AWS). It diverts water from Lake Tabeaud into the Amador Canal, which then supplies two water treatment plants, Tanner and Ione. Additionally, a portion of the water from Lake Tabeaud is channeled through the Electra Powerhouse for hydroelectric generation before being released into the Mokelumne River, ultimately reaching the East Bay Municipal Utility District and its Pardee Reservoir. As the largest powerhouse on the Mokelumne, capable of generating over 100MW of electricity, Electra often serves as a control station for the entire system, particularly in terms of power interchange. The power is then delivered to one of the two 230kV transmission lines, combining with the output from the Salt Springs and Tiger Creek plants. Given that Lake Tabeaud functions as a forebay, the Electra Powerhouse is able to adjust its load in steps, contributing to grid stabilization. EETS engineers were responsible for the design work involved in replacing three field circuit breakers and three generator neutral grounding transformers, as well as the generator field cables for the three units.

Escondido, California

City of Escondido – Bear Valley Hydro

Design of a new protective relay and PLC-based control system with an HMI terminal for this 1.5MW two-unit hydroelectric facility, including an HMI interface with the City’s water treatment plant system. Additionally, the design of modifications to the existing plant’s power and instrumentation systems was undertaken.

Eldorado County, California

Slab Creek Hydroelectric Facility

Design of a Modicon PLC-based control and instrumentation system, along with a SCADA interface, for the refurbished 450kW induction generator Francis hydro unit. This also involved the review and revision of the unit’s protective relaying, as well as providing start-up support.

Auburn, California

PG&E Wise Hydroelectric Powerhouse

Wise Powerhouse, a key component of a system that includes reservoirs, canals, and other powerhouses starting at Spaulding Dam, is capable of generating 14 MW of electricity. Initially commissioned in 1917 by PG&E, this powerhouse has undergone numerous upgrades and refurbishments over the years. EETS engineers were in charge of designing a replacement generator neutral grounding transformer and field cables for the most recent refurbishment.

Generation Projects