Hydroelectric

In aqueducts, the difference in height between the branch works and the distribution network is often compensated by pressure reduction systems with dissipation through valves. Energy use is therefore possible by installing turbine-generator sets - of the action or reaction type - in relation to the load, available flow rates and local conditions. In addition to constructing new plants, in recent years Pide has carried out numerous installations with standard modules, which can be inserted in the existing pipelines.

Pide makes specific machines, derived from classic Francis and Pelton turbines, with materials and sealing elements that ensure the power characteristics required by the water-based system.

Pide has gained experience on VLH turbines, both in extraordinary work and the maintenance work prescribed by the parent company. In the event of a mechanical or electrical fault – even severe – it coordinates the activities and reduces machine downtime.

Pide is able to carry out thorough diagnosis by interfacing with the signals made available on the machine to reveal:

Temperature measurements •
Pressure measurements •
Electrical values •
Vibration measurements •

Moreover, it can use its own engineering department to offer upgrades to the technologies used in order to improve reliability.
The new Marostica site has been structured with independent work areas to guarantee strict client confidentiality.

Research, continually updated technological capability and the use of innovative tools means that Pide can provide a reverse engineering service to reconstruct all parts of hydroelectric turbines (impeller, shaft, etc.), even without any original construction drawings. An example of this work is the use of a 3D laser scanner to perform dimensional checks on components to be tested and to acquire mathematical models of complex mechanical parts such as impellers. The use of these technologies in combination with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software allows the Pide engineering department to measure, optimize and redesign the main turbine components to improve their performance.

3D scanning of impellers and mechanical parts •
Reconstruction of mathematical models •
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) •
Efficiency improvement of the hydraulic profiles of impellers •

Pide carries out energy diagnosis and functional testing of hydroelectric plants. This analysis is carried out on the main plant components: Intake and supply work, hydroelectric turbine, valves, electromechanical equipment. Thanks to its many years of experience in the design, construction and management of hydroelectric plants, Pide can offer solutions to improve the hydraulic efficiency of the plant. In addition to this, Pide offers a dynamic monitoring system that can analyse the main hydraulic and electrical parameters in real time, ensuring that the available water resource is used on the best possible way.

Monitoring of the main hydraulic and electrical parameters •
Analysis of collected energy data •
Fluid dynamic simulation: machinery and civil works (CFD) •
Fluvial modelling •
Efficiency improvement proposals •