These days, an extensive repair of the Gabcikovo S7 Small Hydropower Plant was successfully completed, which included not only the reconstruction of the facility itself, but also a fundamental change in the concept of the power plant. This project represents a significant step towards the modernization and efficiency of electricity production for the Gabcikovo HPP, which is one of the important points of the water management infrastructure in Slovakia.

Part of the turbine repair was primarily a change in the concept of the power plant consisting in the removal of the belt transmission between the turbine and the generator. This change achieved higher efficiency of the power plant and a fundamental reduction in noise emissions from this transmission. The turbines were equipped with modern Hi-pressuer unit, which reduced the amount of oil required compared to the state before the reconstruction. Water-cooled generators will ensure stable operation and high efficiency even on the hottest days of summer.

The entire control system and 22kV distribution substation underwent a general repair, which now reflects the needs of the operation of the SHPP in the 21st century. Due to the function of the power plant as its own source of electricity for the HPP Gabcikovo, the unit is capable of starting and operating island operation grid for HPP Gabcikovo.

Thanks to modern technologies, the power plant will be able to use the hydropower potential more effectively, which will lead to higher electricity production while maintaining or even reducing environmental impacts on local ecosystems. Another advantage is the reduction of maintenance costs and extending the life of the equipment. The modernization has made it possible to reduce the failure rate and increase operational reliability, which means lower repair costs and a longer operating cycle.

It remains only to thank the investor, which is Vodohospodarska vystavba, s.p. for the trust shown and to wish this small hydroelectric power plant many years of satisfactory operation.

Strojirny Brno Co. has put into operation its two units with Francis turbines each of power output 4 MW at SHPP Karekan, Central Java, Indonesia in March-April 2020.