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HYDRO
VOITH HYDRO INTRODUCES NEW M-LINE THAT REDUCES DELIVERY TIMES BY 30% While extending the product family and range of application of its StreamDiver, Voith Hydro has also been working on further evolving its machine portfolio – with modularised Pelton and Francis turbines. By adapting the machine units into a new kind of building-block system, the new M-Line Series dramatically reduces delivery times to benefit customers. Of course, they can also rely on the new turbines living up to Voith’s proven quality standards.
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elivery time can be a particularly critical factor when it comes to equipping hydropower plants with electromechanical components. For this reason, reduced delivery times were Voith Hydro’s highest priority in developing the latest additions to their portfolio. The key to their solution lies in the modularisation of the Pelton and Francis turbines. “The small-scale hydropower market is highly dynamic. What’s needed today are fast, innovative solutions that ensure high efficiency and reliability. With the M-Line we are setting new standards to meet these new challenges,” as Florian Trost explains. He is “Product Owner” for Francis Turbines at Voith Hydro in St. Georgen. Apart from economic evaluations of existing facilities, his function includes the further development of applied technologies as well as innovation management. One key task consists in developing and defining latest-generation
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technical standards, and upgrading produc tion methods accordingly. FOCUS ON DELIVERY TIMES The faster operators are able to get their machine on the grid, the more likely they are to meet the economic preconditions for operating it successfully. This is why, just like capital costs, short delivery times are emerging as an aspect of growing importance. As Florian Trost explains, “With this particular aspect in mind, we have subjected our developments to numerous tests and optimisations until they showed clear benefits for our customers.” In addition to enjoying economic advantages, customers benefit especially from the significantly shorter lead times compared to individually con structed facilities. Further advantages include lower transportation and installation requirements, as the
electrical engineering components and balance-of-plant equipment are pre-assembled at the factory. M-LINE – MODULAR SOLUTIONS FOR POWER PLANTS The new M-Line is designed as simplified, maximally standardised turbine-generatorunits, which come complete with the required auxiliary systems. As the system is fully pre-assembled, it arrives at the power station as a compact ‘ready-made’ unit. This means it can be installed on-site and taken into operation right away. Together with the electrical equipment, the M-Line therefore provides a comprehensive, compact and reliable ‘waterto-wire’ system. “There’s a lot of our engineering know-how, as well as decades of experience in turbine construction and latest insights from our R&D centre in every single facility we help to build – and the same is true for our M-Line
May 2022
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04.05.2022 12:46:54
Foto: Glanzer
graphics: Voith Hydro
The modular structure of Voith Hydro’s new M-Line opens up a world of new economic perspectives for operators. Pictured: M-Line Francis
