Aggreko powers generator test for Ffestiniog hydro plant 13 January 2011

First Hydro says that tests of a newly manufactured generator stator at its Ffestiniog plant in Snowdonia went well, thanks to an Aggreko, temporary power pack.

"This was no simple 'plug in and play' scenario, and testing the equipment presented us with some significant challenges," says Dewi Griffiths, electrical engineer at First Hydro.

"First, we needed to assess whether we could use power from one of the other generator motors to carry out the HV flux text. In the end we [worked] with Aggreko, as this meant we could continue to fulfil our obligations to the National Grid during the testing period," he explains.

"Secondly, once we'd decided to use generators to power the flux test, we needed to choose a partner that had the experience to carry out this type of work. Aggreko was the natural choice."

Aggreko used three 1,250kVA diesel generators, working in synchronisation, to set up the test rig, taking just a day for installation and half a day for decommissioning.

The generators were set up to produce very low voltage that was run through a transformer to step up the power to 3.3kV, which was then connected to a cable coiled around the stator bore to simulate the conditions of power-generation.

Ffestiniog's four AEI-manufactured generating units, originally commissioned in 1963 still provide top up power generation to the National Grid.

Brian Tinham

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