Overview

The Hydropower Plant Equipment Interest Group is a collaborative, technology-focused program designed to assist hydroelectric utilities optimize capital and O&M costs, extend equipment life, increase reliability, and minimize outage times for hydropower plant equipment repair and maintenance.

Focus areas

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    Hydropower Technology
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    Capital and Maintenance Investment
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    Maintenance Programming and Reliability
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    Work Force Productivity and Safety
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    Environmental Performance
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This group is for

Hydro plant managers, electrical and mechanical engineers, engineering directors and managers
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Technical Advisor Support
Jean C. Pellerin
Jean C. Pellerin
Hydropower Plant Equipment

Jean C. Pellerin graduated from the University of Ottawa with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He has over 36 years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and development of renewable energies, with a focus in hydro generation. During his career with Brookfield Renewable Energy, he was Director of areas such as Technical Services, Asset Optimization, and Engineering Development, and contributed to the company’s growth through acquisitions and greenfield developments. He currently provides technical and strategic advice to several engineering firms.

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Steve Wenke
Steve Wenke
Hydropower Plant Equipment and Thermal Generation

Steve Wenke is a utility professional with over 40 years of experience in generation strategy, planning, and operations. He recently retired as senior manager of generation strategy and planning at Avista, where he led initiatives across asset management, plant development, upgrades, and dam safety. Steve’s experience spans generation design, major capital projects, NERC compliance, and corporate initiatives including mergers, labor negotiations, and product development. He also led the development of a corporate human performance safety strategy and supported distributed energy resource initiatives. He has been active in industry leadership and advisory roles, including service with NERC committees, the DHS Dam Sector Coordinating Council, and the National Hydropower Association. He currently serves as President of the Hydropower Foundation.

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Top Resources
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
Electrical Overhaul Guide for Hydroelectric Turbine Generators
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This guide provides an actionable agenda for engineers and operations and maintenance personnel to use in all stages of condition-based analysis and refurbishment of hydro turbine generators. It proposes ways for power plant owners to better support efforts in integrated planning over the long-term, to achieve their equipment’s continued operation and improve asset-based maintenance outcomes.
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
Mechanical Overhaul Guide for Hydroelectric Turbine Generators
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Focusing on the mechanical refurbishment of hydroelectric turbine generators, this guide addresses units with typical service lives of 20 to 35+ years before major overhaul. While the primary focus is on vertical shaft units like Francis and Kaplan turbines, it also includes guidance on horizontal shaft units and the specific challenges they present.
GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
Hydro Generator - General Maintenance and Inspection Guide
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This guide defines best practices for maintaining hydro generators, emphasizing actions that maximize unit reliability and availability. It concentrates on the generator's components, specifically those connected to the main shaft coupling, and promotes a maintenance philosophy to ensure long-term operational efficiency.
ASSESSMENT TOOL
hydroAMP
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hydroAMP is a comprehensive tool designed to evaluate the condition of hydroelectric equipment, supporting effective asset and risk management. It provides a framework for assessing equipment performance and helps users develop long-term investment strategies, prioritize capital spending, and coordinate budgeting for operation and maintenance. Key resources include the hydroAMP web application, consolidated condition assessment guide, training webinars, and field inspection guides.
RESEARCH REPORT
Hydro Plant Testing of Environmentally Acceptable Oils
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Through a program of formalized laboratory testing, this research project identifies lubrication oils that best meet the criteria of being environmentally acceptable, while providing similar properties to the oils currently used in the hydro industry.