Micro hydroelectric power stations are equipped with one or more hydraulic turbines that can transmit several thousand kW each.
These power plants are of primary interest to independent producers, local communities and to companies that invest in the generation of electricity from water power.
For low heads (less than 15 m), turbines run at low speeds requiring in most cases the use of speed increaser units driving the generators or alternators.
From the experience gained in this field and in close collaboration with the turbine builders and project engineers, LUFKIN designs and manufactures speed increaser drives suited to a specific application.
Adopting this approach, LUFKIN has built all types of speed increaser drives for Kaplan, Helix and Francis turbines with horizontal, vertical or inclined axes.
Herkimer micro power station (USA) with four 560 kW bevel and cylindrical speed increasers.
4 850 kW vertical shaft speed increaser for Yarrawonga micro power station (Australia).
2,500 kW horizontal shaft speed increaser with vertical offset for a pit turbine.