Birsfelden hydropower plant is operated by four power units. The
integrated Kaplan turbines are placed vertically
in relation to the river flow. Their technical
performance is convincing.
For example, each turbine
is capable of producing an impressive maximum output of nearly 34 000
h.p. and – with the hub – weighs 140 tonnes. The turbines
were all refurbished and modernized in the late 1990s. The runner,
with its four adjustable blades, plays the principal role, turning
the stream of water into mechanical energy and causing the turbine
shaft – and thus the generator –
to turn 68 times a minute.
