Hydroelectric Dam

The dam supplies power through its internal grid when active and staffed. If it is not online or the generators aren't enabled, power defaults to the external grid, a backup source ensuring basic systems remain operational until full control is restored.

The bulkhead is a large intake gate that controls whether water flows from the reservoir into the turbine system. It feeds all seven wicket gates at once, meaning when it's closed, no water reaches the turbines. It’s the first step in regulating dam flow and must be opened before any turbine can operate.

The exciter is a critical component of the dam’s power generation system, responsible for supplying the magnetic field needed for the generators to produce electricity. Without the exciter being activated, the generators cannot function properly.

Personnel must ensure the exciter is powered before generator activation. If the exciter fails or is left inactive, the generator will not output power, even if the turbines are enabled.

Butterfly valves control water flow within the dam’s internal piping systems. They allow personnel to open, close, or redirect flow to specific sections.

The wicket gate is the large, mechanical floodgates used to control water flow within the dam system. They are essential for regulating pressure, managing maintenance operations, and preventing system overload.

The wicket valve regulates the flow of water from the dam to the turbines. By adjusting how much water is allowed through, it directly controls the speed and output of the turbines, which then decides how much power can be generated.

Head pressure refers to the force of water entering the penstocks from the dam’s reservoir. It’s primarily determined by the reservoir’s water level, but can also be affected by how water is routed through the intake system. Opening additional outlets, such as the jet valves, diverts flow and reduces pressure at the inlets.

Rain increases head pressure, however, activating jet valves cuts incoming pressure by offering an alternate path. These do not drain the reservoir but reduce the force feeding into turbines. 

Internal pressure refers to the water pressure inside each turbine, directly influencing its output and stability. This pressure is determined by two key factors: the current head pressure (how much force is entering from the penstock) and the wicket valve position (how open the turbine intake is).

• Higher head pressure means more force pushing into the turbine

• More open wicket valves allow more water to flow in, increasing internal pressure

If either is too high, the turbine may exceed safe operating limits, potentially triggering warnings or shutdowns. 

There are three types of power orders used for promotion purposes:

• Upregulation – Increase output to meet rising demand

  • In example: If the previous power order was 683, and the new one is 857, this would count as an upregulation as you are increasing power

• Downregulation – Decrease output when demand drops

  • In example: If the previous power order was 857, and the new one is 683, this would count as a downregulation as you are decreasing power. 

• Peak Load – Reach or exceed 900 MWh

When ETS personnel require replacement parts, tools, or components, they can submit a request through the computer. Once the order is placed, the parts are automatically delivered to a designated drop-off zone.

In critical situations, such as when a turbine explodes, E&TS personnel must order the necessary parts and carefully assemble a new turbine piece by piece as they order the parts.

Pressure in the system has exceeded safe levels. This can lead to equipment damage or automatic shutdowns. Check valves and relieve pressure immediately to avoid failure.

A turbine is operating with low oil levels. If not addressed quickly, this can cause severe mechanical damage or trigger a turbine explosion. Locate the affected turbine and apply oil immediately to restore safe operation and prevent system failure.