Overview
Kaplan turbines are axial machines whose runner blades adjust together with the guide vanes (double regulation), maintaining high efficiency across wide flow variations — ideal for run-of-river plants on large, low-gradient rivers.
TC HYDRO delivers Kaplan units complete with runner, hub, main shaft, governor and control system, and supplies spare blades and parts for existing Kaplan plants.
Typical Applications
- Large low-gradient rivers (2–30 m net head)
- Run-of-river plants with high seasonal flow variation
- Existing dam outlets and barrage sites
- Replacement runners and parts for existing Kaplan units
Technical Specifications
| Net head | 2–30 m |
|---|---|
| Unit output | Engineered to site flow |
| Configuration | Vertical axial |
| Flow regulation | Double regulation (blades + guide vanes) |
Ranges are design envelopes — each unit is engineered to your measured net head and flow.
Scope of Supply — Complete Unit
- Runner
- Main shaft
- Bearings
- Speed governor
- Excitation system
- Inlet valves
- Control system (SCADA)
In-House Machining & Quality Control
Every runner, shaft and part is machined and inspected in our Zhangjiajie factory — 30,000 m² of land with 14,000 m² of production floor — critical tolerances are never outsourced.
- CQ5263 vertical lathe — max turning Ø 6,300 mm, workpiece up to 50 t
- C5235 vertical lathe — Ø 4,000 mm, 30 t
- CW61125 horizontal lathe — 8,000 mm (shafts & rotors)
- Z3080 radial drill — Ø 80 mm
- 315T hydraulic press
- Runner dynamic balancing on our horizontal balancing machine — imbalance measured and corrected
Engineering ranges
| Net head | 5–30 m |
|---|---|
| Runner diameter | 800–4,000 mm |
| Unit output (new sets) | up to 20 MW |
| Refurbishment | no capacity limit |
| Configuration | Kaplan (double-regulated) or fixed-blade propeller; vertical or horizontal |
Selected track record
| Station | Turbine – generator model | Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Enshi Tangkou, Hubei — HPP modernisation | 4 × 11 MW units · oil-free blade pitch + governor retrofit | 4 |
| Laos (export) — Kaplan refurbishment | 15 MW Kaplan unit refurbishment | 1 |
| Guangxi, China — six-station renovation programme | refurbishment across six plants | 6 |
| Gaohua & Jiefangshan, Fujian & Hubei | fixed-blade runners converted to adjustable pitch | 2 |
Full reference list available on request.
CREDENTIALS
Frequently Asked Questions
What site data do you need to quote a turbine?
Net head and flow are the two essential figures — site location and grid connection point help us refine the layout. Send whatever you have: our engineers will tell you within 48 hours what the free preliminary study requires.
Do you supply spare parts after commissioning?
Yes. Runners, shafts, bearings, nozzles, needles, deflectors, seals and governor parts are manufactured on plan and supplied throughout the plant’s life.
Can you support installation and commissioning on site?
Yes. TC supplies and supervises the electromechanical installation, and HIER Madagascar provides local execution, O&M and logistics across Sub-Saharan Africa.