NDOLELA ESTATE

Tanzania, Africa

The Ndolela Estate is a commercial agricultural farm in the Ruvuma Region of southwestern Tanzania. The estate is not connected to the Tanzanian national grid, and has in the past been wholly reliant on large numbers of diesel generators, at significant cost in fuel. A large expansion of the estate irrigation system and installation of grain silos has increased the peak demand for power to around 1.5MW. To help meet this demand the Estate owners decided to harness the power of water from the Ruhuhu River and install a hydropower scheme.

A series of pump stations move water from the River Ruhuhu around the farm via canals. The Hydro generator powers a 33kV island mini-grid network across the farm powering all of the pump stations as required during the summer season, reducing the reliance on diesel generation.

The Turgo-type Turbine design (invented by Gilkes in 1919) was used at Ndolela due to its suitability for silt and debris-laden water, and its simplicity of maintenance in a remote location. The turbine speed governs to 50Hz, with a tolerance band of 2Hz when accepting and rejecting 90kW load. The control panel and control philosophy have been designed with the option of installing both a second turbine and/or a direct connection to a national grid.

The Turbine is currently generating up to 600kW of clean renewable power, supplying irrigation pumps and further loads as they are connected. The customers need for Diesel power is significantly reduced.

SCOPE OF SUPPLY

  • Gilkes HCTI Twin Jet Turgo Impulse Turbine
  • Synchronous Generator including Lube Oil pack and Flywheel
  • Set of Inlet Pipework
  • Main Inlet Valve & Double Flanged Butterfly Valve
  • Hydraulic Actuators
  • Control & Switchgear Panel
  • Governor
  • 110v DC Battery Panel
  • Installation & Commissioning
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Key Stats

  • Commissioned December 2017
  • Power 792kW
  • Net Head 65 m
  • Flow 1550 l/s
  • Turbine Type 25" HCTI Twin Jet Turgo

  • Pumping Station

  • Pumping Station

  • Ruhuhu River

  • Powerhouse Access During Construction

  • Turbine and Hydraulic Control Module

  • Generator Installation

  • Factory Assembly of Turbine Case & Pipework

  • Runner & Deflector Assembly

  • Getting to Site

Andy Eaton, Gilkes, International Sales Manager “Gilkes have installed over 20 turbines in Tanzania over a 100 year period. This is the first one we have installed here since 1977 and it is great to have had the opportunity to continue our long standing presence in East Africa. Gilkes continue to be fully committed to working in Africa and installing Hydro in remote rural areas.”