Shaft Current and Voltage Protection

Project background

The Ituango Dam, also referred to as the Pescadero-Ituango Dam, is an embankment dam currently under construction on the Cauca River near Ituango in Antioquia Department, Colombia. Development of the project is being proposed by EPM Ituango, a consortium of Empresas Publicas de Medellin (EPM) and the Antioquia government. The dam’s power plant will have a nominal hydraulic head of 197 meters (646 ft) and contain eight 307 megawatts (412,000 hp) Francis turbine-generators.

Why this solution

Shaft current and voltage protection system monitors and protects the shaft generator against bearing damages. Because bearing insulation deteriorates with usage, the current flow can cause serious damages to the bearing and cause extensive economic damage. The high value of the project was the reason why bearings need to be additionally protected.

Benefits and results for the client

With the system installed a problem is detected on time and before major damage occurs. Monitoring of shaft currents and a quick response to increasing amplitude of these currents is an easy way to protect the expensive power generation equipment. The plant operators have a full control of the system with online analysis, protection based on harmonic composition and real trending of measured values. The interpretation of results is easy, simple and secure.

Ituango Dam / Colombia

2,456 MW

of installed capacity

$2.8 billion

cost of construction

9,200 GWh

Annual generation

2018

Commission year