Unit rehabilitation at Newfoundland Light and Power Co. Ltd

In 1979, Newfoundland Light and Power Corporation Limited conducted a complete review of its hydroelectric facilities, assessing their general condition, determining means of improving efficiency, and determining economical ways of redeveloping sites to increase output. The study resulted in ongoing upgrading of each of the 22 facilities. The work completed, economic and other justification for the projects, and an analysis of results with respect to improved production and efficiency are presented for three of the sites, Topsail, Lawn, and Lookout Brook. Work on Topsail included the installation of a new penstock and installation of a 2,250 kW turbine to replace the old 1,200 kW unit. At Lawn, the old woodstave penstock was rebuilt, and a single 650 kW turbine was installed to replace the existing two 150 kW Voith units. Work at Lookout Brook involved installing a 2,650 kW turbogenerator to replace the two Leffel units which were becoming expensive to operate and maintain. It is concluded that while Topsail and Lookout Brook appear to be good investments, increased operating and capital cost and lower than estimated production have combined to produce poor economic results at Lawn. 4 tabs