Electrical Design of Wells Hydroelectric Project

The structures comprising the Wells Hydroelectric Project depart from the usual concept of other low head developments in that the powerhouse, switchyard, spillway, and fish facilities are incorporated into one structure which for simplicity of description is designated a hydrocombine and is illustrated by the artist's concept shown in Fig. 1. Combination of powerhouse and spillway functions is accomplished by placing the generating units in individual structures and providing spillway openings between the structures as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. The generating structures are joined at the top by a deck which spans the spillway openings. Transformers, 230-kV switchyard, and service cranes are located on a continuous top deck of the hydrocombine. The unique arrangement of the structural design of the hydrocombine dictated some variations from conventional electrical design thereby introducing some new control and plant layout concepts. This paper presents the project's electrical design.