Refurbishment of generator/motor units and main transformers at Cruachan Pumped Storage Power Station

The North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board´s Cruachan Power Station is situated on the shores of Loch Awe in the Scottish Highlands about 100 km north-west of Glasgow. Power station plant life is considered to be typically of the order of 25 years. The station has been in service for more than 20 years, and although the plant has been regularly maintained the considerably more onerous operating regime has taken its toll, and it was recognised that extensive refurbishment of the plant had become necessary. The authors examine the refurbishment of two of the most critical areas of electrical plant-two of the four generator/motor units, and the two generator/motor transformers. They demonstrate that refurbishment is not just a matter of new parts for old. Problem areas have been carefully analysed, extensive redesign carried out, and solutions incorporated during the refurbishment with the aim of achieving a greatly extended plant life