Energy recovery and power plants

The alpine hydro-electric power plant Kopswerk II in Austria was equipped with needle valves of the extreme pressure stage PN 160.

The use of hydroelectric power plants is an important component in the energy mix, particularly in order to compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind energy as can be implemented in storage power plants.

For valves in hydro-electric power plants, in addition to many years of reliable and precise operation, a high level of cost-effectiveness is of decisive importance. This is achieved by, among other things, low zeta values. Another key factor is the precise regulation of the valve over a large range, such as it is offered by the ERHARD RKV Premium needle valve, for example.

Large quantities of water are also required for the cooling of power plant installations, whether for coal-fired or nuclear power plants. The reliability of circulating water systems in these applications is of extreme importance. Numerous successful installations throughout the world are proof that our valves are meeting these requirements.

Special challenges can also be easily overcome, as shown by the Taishan power plant in China where the cooling system is operated with seawater and therefore the castings are provided with a special ceramic internal coating. Hydraulic gravity actuators guaranteeing secure operation if the power supply fails also provide additional safety for butterfly valves and check valves.

With decades of experience in this market, TALIS has the necessary know-how,not only in the development and production of the required valves, but also in theoptimum design for individual solutions.

Controlling gigantic water masses – Kopswerk in Austria

Kopswerk II - ERHARD supplied special valves up to pressure rating PN160

Kopswerk II in the Austrian Silvretta mountains (image on the right) is one of the largest pumped storage hydro-electric power stations in the region, with an overall capacity of 450 megawatts. Construction started in 2004 and it went into operation in 2008. ERHARD supplied special valves up to pressure rating PN 160 for Kopswerk II, which were specially developed to cope with the enormous pressure and flow conditions. They can withstand water masses of 110,000 tonnes and handle a water flow of 76 cubic metres per second.

Valves in extra large – power station in Karlsruhe

One of ERHARD’s major projects in the year 2011 is the production of a uniquely sized butterfly valve for a coal-fired power station in Karlsruhe, Germany. With a nominal size of DN 3600, it is significantly larger than any Erhard valves ever made before. The DN 3600 butterfly valve is one of the largest projects ever to be undertaken in 140 years of Erhard company history. The new coal-fired power station is to start commercial operations in 2012 with a gross electrical capacity of 912 megawatts.

Departure into modern times – cooling system in Taishan, China

Taishan City, located 140 kilometres west of Hong Kong in the Pearl River delta, ranks among the most progressive cities in China. Almost every day the city changes its appearance and increases its size. A few years ago, Taishan became the “Country’s Clean City” as the result of consequent use of modern supply technologies such as in water plants or in power generation, for example. The power plant in Taishan, with five blocks of 600 MW each, is equipped with 26 ERHARD butterfly valves DN 2400. All butterfly valves operate in the sea water cooling system. The castings have been coated with a special ceramic compound, while the shafts are made of high-grade Duplex stainless steel. Some of the butterfly valves are fitted with hydraulic drop-weight actuators – they are used as combined isolating / non-return valves on the pressure side of the sea water pumps.

The butterfly valves power plant with hydraulic drop-weight actuator at time of inspection at the
factory and after installation at the Taishan power plant