The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has tested a new hybrid fire extinguishing system as a possible replacement for carbon dioxide (CO2) systems traditionally used in hydroelectric generators.
USBR partnered with its Research and Development Office, Canyon Ferry Powerplant, Technical Service Center, Victaulic Company, and the Centre for Energy Advancement through Technological Innovation (CEATI) under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). Funding came from USBR’s R&D Office and CEATI, while Victaulic provided the Victaulic Vortex™ Hybrid Fire Extinguishing System.
CO2 has been the standard for more than 80 years but poses “significant asphyxiation and toxicity risks to personnel after discharge.” Hybrid systems, which use nitrogen and water, work by cooling temperatures and diluting oxygen, offering similar fire suppression without the same safety risks. Until this test, their effectiveness in real-world hydroelectric operations had not been proven.
Canyon Ferry Powerplant in Montana was chosen for the test. Its generators were already scheduled for rewinding, making destructive testing possible without long-term damage. The generators had also experienced similar faults in the past, and their 16MW size and original asphaltic windings were considered suitable for the experiment.
The test used a projectile to create a fault in the generator. The Victaulic Vortex™ system successfully suppressed the resulting fire, marking the first time a hybrid fire extinguishing system was tested on an intentionally faulted hydroelectric generator.
The results “are promising as the Victaulic Vortex™ hybrid fire extinguishing system shows effectiveness in suppressing fires, paving the way for Reclamation and further industry adoption, as well as updates to fire safety standards.”
USBR said the project highlights its focus on partnerships and safety improvements across the hydropower industry.
