Wood Group GTS was awarded a $11.2 million contract to re-rate one of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP’s) Hitachi hydro turbine generators at the Castaic Power Plant, a pumped storage facility 50 miles north of Los Angeles. The work scope includes replacement of discharge and wear rings, extensive stay vane modification, turbine shut-off valve refurbishment and replacement of the generator stator.
This contract will complete the upgrade of the sixth and final turbine generator, undertaken as part of the Castaic Power Plant modernization program. Over the last four years Wood Group has helped modify three similar turbines, increasing generating output by 21MW per unit and boosting total plant capacity to approximately 1,260MW. The modernization project also delivered increased unit efficiencies of approximately 2.7 per cent in pump mode and 1.2 per cent in generate mode. Work on the final turbine package began in late 2012 and is due for completion by the end of August 2013.
“Over the last several years we have established a strong working relationship with LADWP. Our team works alongside Castaic Power Plant’s maintenance personnel to ensure safe, effective and efficient utilization of resources,” said president, Wood Group Field Services, Rob Duby. “We understand how important this modernization program is for LADWP, ensuring a reliable and sustainable source of energy for its customers.”