Ybbs-Persenbeug: A rotor retires
This year’s phase of the machinery replacement programme Ybbs2020 at the Danube power plant Ybbs-Persenbeug has taken the next step. The 230-tonne rotor of machine no. 2 has been lifted out. After more than 400,000 operating hours, it is making way for a modern replacement.
Both gantry cranes were needed to lift the heaviest single component of the machine set out of the turbine shaft with millimetre precision. The 230 tonnes of weight is not the only problem. The challenge lies in the narrow turbine shaft, in which the ring-shaped rotor is installed. Despite the enormous size, the distance from the wall is just 1.5 millimetres. The cranes and personnel therefore had to set about their work with extreme precision in order not to tilt the sensitive part. The operating team and crane personnel have to be in constant contact and not rush anything. The auxiliary beam has to be adjusted with callipers and a spirit level before the gantry cranes can pick up the enormous load.
Machine replacement Ybbs2020 – Austria’s biggest energy efficiency measure
The Danube power plant is being made fit for the energy future as part of the project Ybbs2020. Impeller, generators, cables and control technology are being completely replaced. Due to the expense and effort required, only one of the six machines can be replaced each year. In total, the power plant will be able to generate an additional 77 million kilowatt hours, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 22,000 households. VERBUND is investing a total of 144 million euros in the measures.
More information at www.verbund.com/ybbs2020
