Upgrades & Refurbishment

Turnkey Upgrades with Optimal Output

We specialize in custom upgrades and refurbishments for the following turbine types:
Francis · Kaplan · Propeller · Propeller‑to‑Kaplan Conversions · Pump Turbines · Large Pumps

American Hydro provides turnkey hydroelectric upgrades that give aging turbines a second life – boosting efficiency, capacity and long-term performance. From new bearing materials to improved wicket gate linkage to modernizing electrical control systems, our upgrade and rehabilitation programs will extend the life of your turbine and create more capacity and efficiency within the layout of your hydro plant. We take a knowledgeable approach to every turbine upgrade with the goal of giving your plant a second life.

High-Efficiency Pump Turbines and Large Pumps Built for Maximum Reliability

American Hydro designs and manufactures high-efficiency pump turbines and large pump impellers that increase capacity, expand operating range, and reduce cavitation while improving vibration performance.

Our advanced pump turbine designs optimize hydraulic performance, strengthen overall machine reliability, and boost cycle efficiency by up to 10%.

Benefits of Upgrading and Rehabilitating

Long Life Extension

The life cycle of a hydro turbine typically lasts for 50 years, but industry experience has shown that with a proper upgrade and rehabilitation program, a turbine can last for an additional 50 years.

Increased Energy

American Hydro technologies provide higher capacity, a wider range of stable operating levels and peak efficiency increases of 3-5% or more, depending on the current condition of your equipment.

Elimination of Cavitation Damage

American Hydro has the necessary design and analysis tools to solve and eliminate cavitation damage and modernize your unit.

Environmentally Friendly Technology

We build aerating turbines that enhance downstream dissolved oxygen levels and fish-friendly Kaplan runners with minimum gaps, which improves downstream fish passage.

Upgrades Project Portfolio