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GGB's Bearings for China's Xiangjiaba Hydropower Plant

Special Hydro Bearings for China’s Xiangjiaba Hydropower Plant

May 14, 2020

Case Study

Energy

GGB recently delivered its specially designed, fiber reinforced composite bearings for assembly of the first wicket gate for the first of four Francis turbines that will drive China’s Xiangjiaba hydropower plant.

GGB recently delivered its specially designed, fiber reinforced composite bearings for assembly of the first wicket gate for the first of four 812 MW Francis turbines that will drive China’s Xiangjiaba hydropower plant.

The hydro bearings were specified by Tianjin Alstom Hydro Co. Ltd., based on GGB’s successful bid for another of the company’s projects, the 2,000 MW Ahai hydropower plant.

Designed specifically for hydropower applications, GGB’s HPM and HPF® fiber reinforced composite bearings combine the self-lubricating properties of PTFE with the strength and stability of a glass-fiber-filled epoxy resin backing. The greaseless, maintenance-free bearings provide high load capacities, excellent shock and edge loading resistance, low friction and wear, long service life, low water absorption, and excellent corrosion resistance.

The HPM bearings are being used in Xiangjiaba’s wicket gates, as well as in servomotors and linkages. HPF® filament wound segments are being used for the regulating rings and thrust washers.

The new plant’s first turbine began generating power in 2012. When fully operational, it will be China’s third-largest hydropower plant after the Three Gorges project and the Xiluodu plant.  

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