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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Low-head Hydroelectric Power Demonstration Project: City of Gonzales, Texas. Final technical and construction cost report. [Utilization of old equipment]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5736140
This report summarizes the project construction which began in the second quarter of 1980 with the dismantling of the existing turbines, and was completed in the last quarter of 1983. The existing power plant structure and dam are located at Gonzales, Texas on the Guadalupe River. The existing powerhouse was built in 1925. The ungated dam produces a net head of about 14 feet. The existing power plant consists of three bays that originally housed three vertical open flume units. Power was transmitted from each turbine runner by a vertical shaft to a generator located some 20 feet above the crest of the dam and above normal river flood levels. The plant went into operation soon after 1925. Each unit had a nominal output of about 370kW. In 1965, the generator, governors, and electrical equipment were removed from the powerhouse. The turbines were left in place. The dam and powerhouse were in fairly good condition, requiring only minimal restoration. However, bank protection on the left abutment and erosion control improvements on the right abutment were necessary. Disassembly and inspection of the old turbines showed them to be in good condition, and the decision was made to rehabilitate them.
Research Organization:
Brown and Root Development, Inc., Houston, TX (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FC07-80ID12121
OSTI ID:
5736140
Report Number(s):
DOE/ID/12121-T2; ON: DE85010403
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English