Quality and Efficiency in Hydropower Plants 

SUHNER Abrasive offers a wide range of products and services specifically designed for the manufacturing and maintenance of hydropower turbines. Our grinding tools and abrasives enable the precise processing of metallic surfaces to achieve the highest quality standards. Whether for machining or repair and maintenance work on existing turbines, we offer customized solutions for every hydropower plant. Our goal is to optimize your processes while minimizing machine downtime.

Hydropower and Maintenance – Performance and Sustainability through Regular Servicing 

Hydropower plays a central role in global energy supply and is one of the most efficient forms of renewable energy. It harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate clean, environmentally friendly electricity. The sustainable, emission-free power generation makes hydropower plants an essential component of climate-friendly energy policies. However, to maintain their full performance over the long term, regular maintenance of these plants is crucial.

Challenges in Hydropower Plant Maintenance 

Hydropower turbines are constantly exposed to high water pressure, strong currents, and suspended particles in the water, which can lead to material fatigue and wear. Kaplan, Francis, and Pelton turbines, which are used depending on the location and head, are subject to continuous wear due to these conditions.

To avoid performance losses and costly failures, regular and thorough maintenance is essential. Maintenance work prevents wear and damage to turbine components, ensuring that the turbine operates efficiently and reliably. A key element of these maintenance processes is the grinding of turbine components.

Why Grinding is so Important 

Grinding turbine components is a critical step to ensure the efficiency and operational reliability of hydropower plants. Turbine blades, runner wheels, and other key components are prone to corrosion, erosion, and surface damage due to constant exposure to water and suspended particles. Grinding restores these surfaces to their optimal condition. This offers several benefits:

• Improved Surface Quality: Grinding restores the smooth surfaces of turbine blades, reducing friction and minimizing turbulence in the water flow. 
• Increased Efficiency: Smooth surfaces allow for more efficient water flow through the turbine, boosting performance and energy output. 
• Extended Lifespan: Regular grinding as part of maintenance extends the lifespan of the components by addressing wear and tear in a timely manner. 
• Reduced Downtime: Continuous care of turbines prevents larger damages, reducing the risk of failures and costly repairs. 

The Importance of Maintenance for Long-Term Success 

Through systematic maintenance, which includes grinding, performance losses can be avoided, and the lifespan of the plants can be significantly extended. It ensures that hydropower turbines operate with maximum efficiency while minimizing potential downtimes. Regular care of turbine components is thus not only a matter of operational capability but also the long-term profitability and sustainability of the entire plant. Contact us to learn more about our customized solutions for hydropower plants! 

SUHNER – Your Partner for Hydropower

Our grinding solutions cover the entire lifecycle of a hydropower turbine: from the production of complex components, such as blades or rotors, to the regular maintenance and repair of the turbine. This is especially relevant in plants using Pelton or Kaplan turbines, as these require precise and even surface processing to operate efficiently. 

Our comprehensive product range includes a variety of grinding tools, grinding machines, and abrasive materials, specifically designed to meet the needs of the industry. This includes high-performance grinding machines, abrasive belts, grinding points, polishing pastes, and many other products essential for the precise processing of turbines. Additionally, explore our training and seminars to enhance and optimize your skills. We also offer our SUHNER@Work service, allowing you to test our grinding tools directly on-site and experience their quality firsthand. Don’t compromise on quality. Contact us today! – we’ll be happy to assist you.