PCH Ijuí Centenária
- • Construction: PCH Ijuí Centenária
- • Model: Francis
- • Head: 36 m / 118.11 ft
- • Speed: 450 rpm
- • Quantity: 02
- • Unit Power: 3 800 kW
- • Construction: PCH Ijuí Centenária
- • Model: Francis
- • Head: 36 m / 118.11 ft
- • Speed: 450 rpm
- • Quantity: 02
- • Unit Power: 3 800 kW

Innovation in SHP projects: elimination of the equilibrium chimney
In Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHP) projects, the search for efficiency and cost reduction is constant. One of the innovations that stands out in this context is the elimination of the balancing chimney, a component traditionally used to mitigate pressure fluctuations at the outlet of hydraulic turbines.
This element, despite its usefulness, can significantly increase the cost of the project, and in some cases, make the construction of the plant unfeasible. A notable example of this innovation is the Ijuí Centenária SHP, which has been in operation since 2020.
Hacker, the company responsible for the project, proposed the removal of the balancing chimney. This decision was based on high-fidelity simulations, which allowed for an accurate assessment of the effects of water pressure and velocity on the generating unit.
The detailed analysis made it possible to adequately size the shaft line, ensuring the inertia and robustness necessary for safe and continuous operation. The removal of the balancing chimney therefore not only reduced the costs associated with the Ijuí Centenária PCH project, but also demonstrated how the application of advanced technologies and accurate simulations can lead to innovative and efficient solutions in the power generation sector.
This case becomes a milestone in the development of PCH projects, paving the way for the implementation of more sustainable and economically viable practices.

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Discover some of our main recently implemented projects. You can filter by turbine type and discover more detailed information.
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Campina Grande do Sul/PR 🇧🇷
• Construction: PCH Novo Horizonte
• Model: Francis
• Head: 259.4 m / 851.04 ft
• Speed: 900 rpm
• Quantity: 02
• Unit Power: 12 200 kW

Rondonópolis/MT 🇧🇷
• Construction: PCH Rondonópolis
• Model: Francis
• Head: 60.5 m / 198.49 ft
• Speed: 450 rpm
• Quantity: 03
• Unit Power: 9 150 kW

PCH Ijuí Centenária 🇧🇷
• Construction: PCH Ijuí Centenária
• Model: Francis
• Head: 36 m / 118.11 ft
• Speed: 450 rpm
• Quantity: 02
• Unit Power: 3 800 kW

Varginha/MG🇧🇷
• Construction: PCH Boa Vista II
• Model: S Jusante Kaplan
• Head: 15.96 m / 52.36 ft
• Speed: 240 rpm
• Quantity: 03
• Unit Power: 10 300 kW

Indiavai/MT🇧🇷
• Construction: PCH Figueirópolis
• Model: S Jusante Kaplan
• Head: 14.86 m / 48.75 ft
• Speed: 150 rpm
• Quantity: 02
• Unit Power: 10 100 kW

Faxinal dos Guedes/SC🇧🇷
• Construction: PCH Celso Ramos
• Model: S Montante Kaplan
• Head: 32.89 m / 107.90 ft
• Speed: 514,29 rpm
• Quantity: 02
• Unit Power: 4 300 kW
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- Address: Rod. SC 480 Km 82,5 Vila Hacker, Xanxerê – SC, 89820-000
- (49) 3441.8000
- Address: Rod. SC 480 Km 82,5 Vila Hacker, Xanxerê – SC, 89820-000
- (49) 3441.8000