Learning Center

For more than 50 years Unit B10 in the first powerhouse at Rock Island Dam has spun electrons into the power grid.

It is one of the six units added in the 1950s to the original powerhouse at Rock Island Dam. And it is the first unit at Rock Island being replaced in the modernization program designed to keep the turbines spinning efficiently for another  40 years.

Contract crews began taking the unit apart in early 2007. Replacing four cranes kicked off the prep work that was followed in 2006 by:

• Replacement of the original Powerhouse 1 transformers.
• Rebuilding the Douglas County entrance to the dam.
• Pressure grouting powerhouse walls to reduce seepage.
• A myriad of plant work to prepare for pulling the old B10 out of service and beginning installation of the high-tech new turbine-generator from VA Tech Hydro.

The new turbine for B10 arrived in late 2006. Crews from VA Tech Hydro have removed the old unit and are finishing assembly on the new rotor and runner. The modernization of unit B10 is scheduled for completion in January 2008. A year of testing and evaluation will follow, at which time a decision will be made on updating units 5 through 9. Modernization of these units would take the project through 2012. Total project cost for the first six units and associated systems is forecast at $180 million. Bid documents to modernize units 1 through 4 are under vendor review; pending bid evaluation and a decision to move forward with this work, these units could be completed by 2015.