The system, developed with partner Lakeside, has a 40m long telescopic boom and can lift up to approximately nine tonnes.
A new trash rack cleaning system was called for as part of the renovation of the 623.7MW scheme, owned by Chelan County PUD No 1, on the Columbia river. The German firm added that the new trash rack cleaning system has the potential to help boost the plant’s power by approximately 8MW.
Separately, the renovation project is also increasing the power output of the plant by modernising five units over 2007-2012.
The Rock Island scheme has a reinforced concrete dam with 31 spillway gates in two sections, and two plants with eight and 11 units, respectively. The latter powerhouse was built in 1933 with four units installed and then more were added in the 1950s. The former plant was completed in 1979.