Enlarging the Capacity of Existing Dams

In order to increase the power capacity of existing dams, it is often possible to upgrade and modernise existing electromechanical equipment. It is also sometimes possible to increase the number of the turbines and generators without modifying the dam itself. Corresponding solutions have been treated in many studies and conferences such as the Conference of International Water Power and Dam Construction, Florence, Italy, 1993. Such improvements may apply both to small or to very large power plants. There are many possible points of improvement to hydraulic and/or electrical equipment. These improvements to the power plant itself may increase the water flow or the power per m³ of water, but they do not increase the storage capacity of a dam, nor the water head. These increases may be accomplished by the methods described in this paper.