Lincoln Metering and Hydroelectric Station

Design Adds Small Hydroelectric Generation to Metering Station

The purpose of this project was to provide Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) with an operational system for hydroelectric generation using the tank fill flow of the Lincoln Metering Station (LMS). The control strategy recognizes that water deliveries take precedence over power production. The steps of the project included:

  • Reviewing the feasibility report
  • Recommending selection of the turbine-generator equipment
  • Design options including alternative piping plans for the adding turbines
  • Develop project budget and projected hydroelectric revenue
  • Apply to PG&E for permitting and site interconnection
  • Complete detailed design
  • Assist PCWA with construction bidding
  • Assist PCWA with equipment startup

The greatest design challenge was ensuring that water delivered to the City of Lincoln for their tank takes precedence over any design or control strategy for the metering station’s new hydroelectric upgrade. The team needed to maintain the existing control strategy that allows Lincoln to request flows ranging, historically, from 2,400 to 10,000 gpm. This required selecting turbines capable of handling a large range of flows and controls that ensure smooth transitions in flow change. The goal was to select a combination of turbines to generate the highest amount of electricity that would also handle both small flows and large flows efficiently. The team also addressed challenges that included expanding the existing building and crane system, providing backup power to the station during outages, a PG&E interconnection, and the FERC Conduit Exemption process.

 

10454