Gilkes has announced it is to rehabilitate the mechanical and electrical equipment at the Catrine Voes Hydro Scheme on the River Ayr in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Working for Catrine Community Renewables Ltd, Gilkes will be responsible for refurbishment, installation and commissioning of two 1950's 'Gilkes' Francis Wallplate turbines. The project will modernise them for automated operation, and include replacement synchronous generators and a new control and protection system. The contract is planned for completion by September 2016.
"This is a very interesting and historically important project, water power has been harnessed at this location since 1787!" said Gilkes Field Operations Manager Alastair Steele. "The turbines that are being refurbished and given a fresh lease of life were originally installed by Gilkes in 1950 as part of a major mill modernisation project when they replaced two of the largest water wheels in Europe. Its testament to the original build quality of the equipment and to the longevity of hydropower as a technology that at 66 years of age they are being refurbished for another 20 years plus of operation."
