The EU IPA Energy Efficiency in Electricity Generation project aims to assess energy efficiency improvements in selected Electricity Generation Company Hydro Power Plants . The scope of the project includes measuring and evaluating the deterioration in turbines, evaluating energy efficiency, and determining needed rehabilitation projects - including cost estimates.
Hydropower plays a pivotal role in Turkey’s energy future and even moderate energy savings translate into huge gains for the country. Ensuring the life of the Hasan Uğurlu dam and others is central for Turkey’s sustainable energy future. This project is an unmatched opportunity for researchers, experts, and students to observe their theoretical work being transformed into action. A World Bank team recently visited the dam to perform efficiency tests, where they were joined by a group of students from the TOBB University.
A total of 18 hydro power plants are being assessed as part of the project.
The hydropower plant, which produces over 1,200 GWh annually, welcomes visitors as they travel through a tunnel stretching several hundred meters into a mountain. The entire plant is embedded in the mountain below this room.
Experts and specialists from the World Bank are carrying out tests as part of the “Energy Efficiency in Power Generation” Project. Hasan Uğurlu is one of 18 hydropower plants undergoing an assessment of the condition of mechanical and electrical equipment and turbine efficiency tests as part of the project.
The technical team installed small devices to monitor the water flow to determine any deterioration in turbines, such as corrosion or other efficiency losses.
The project team follows the pipes all the way - from water intake to the power house.
This assessment is a great opportunity for local engineers. Following the entire testing process, they learn more about the practical application of methods and use of equipment, as well as how to deal with unexpected set-backs. Each plant offers its own unique set of challenges that keeps the team on their toes and in top shape.
Students from the TOBB University joined the team during these tests. The University houses the world’s biggest model turbine design and test center and this visit to Hasan Uğurlu dam gave these students an opportunity transform theory into practice.
As the data starts pouring in, it is being used to determine the condition of various components of the plant - from erosion levels on turbine blades to possible leakages in underground pipes.
Turkey has set the goal of 100% domestic production of components for every power plant, relaying on factories like the Ereğli Iron and Steel Factory, pictured here. The Energy Efficiency in Electricity Generation Project offers an unmatched opportunity for researchers and experts to explore ways to turn this goal into a reality while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of existing power plants – making the data collected here worth its weight in gold.