For the first time among Russian energy companies, TGK-1 has switched a hydro turbine to maintenance based on actual technical condition and achieved an estimated resource of 77 thousand hours until the next major overhaul. This is more than double the 32 thousand hours – the maximum operating time after which low-head hydro units, according to current rules, must undergo major overhaul regardless of their actual condition.

The new methodology allows abandoning a uniform schedule for equipment with varying degrees of wear.

For each unit, specialists assess the condition of the impeller and flow path, look for cracks, analyze vibration and other parameters, after which they calculate the technical condition index and the time when a major overhaul will be required. The decision is made by an expert commission.

The first hydro unit has already undergone the procedure according to the new scheme. If the estimated resource of 77 thousand hours is confirmed by operation, the overhaul interval of this particular machine will be approximately 2.4 times longer than the standard 32 thousand hours, which will allow less frequent shutdowns for major overhauls. TGK-1 plans to extend the methodology to other hydro units of its HPPs, and then consider its application to TPP equipment.