Commercial
Systems

Canyon Systems
in Operation

Utility-Grade Commercial Systems to 15 mW

Canyon utility-grade hydroelectric systems deliver exceptionally high performance and reliability. They are constructed to meet the extended service requirements of commercial operation, including stand-alone power generation, grid-intertie systems, and energy recovery projects.

These twin nozzle Canyon Pelton turbines are designed to operate under a head of 317 meters. The total output is over 7 MW.

Each Canyon system is designed and manufactured to meet specific site requirements. As a result, Canyon systems typically deliver higher efficiency — and greater return on investment — than "standard" systems. High quality components and exacting workmanship ensure smooth installation and continued availability.

Most importantly, Canyon turbines are backed by a group of experienced professionals who know hydro systems, and are dedicated to the success of your project.

Turbines Designed for Your Project

As the critical power-producing component in your system, the efficiency of the turbine is extremely important. It should provide maximum transfer of energy from the water to the shaft.

Canyon turbines are individually designed to match the specific hydraulic characteristics of your site. Unlike off-the-shelf "standard" systems that have been averaged to service a wide variety of installations, each Canyon turbine is carefully tuned to deliver maximum efficiency from your pipeline and your water. The difference in available power can be substantial, and the cost may be less than you'd expect.

Quality Materials and Workmanship

Throughout the design and manufacture of your turbine, Canyon maintains meticulous attention to quality.

The process begins with Computer-Aided Design that combines your site information with the fluid distribution characteristics of the industry's most efficient Pelton and cross-flow turbines. Manufacturing drawings are then forwarded to the fabrication area, and also can be made available to you in the form of bluelines, transparencies or CAD files.

Canyon engineers often design and supply replacement Pelton and Francis turbine runners for existing turbines. Runners are cast in the latest abrasive-resistant alloy and must undergo a series of regular quality inspections as they move through different phases of fabrication.

Pelton runners are cast as a single unit using high-tensile stainless steel alloys, with full gussets on larger runners for additional strength. Casting integrity is checked using non-destructive testing methods. Bucket tip, splitter and exit angles maximize the transfer of hydraulic energy to the turbine shaft. Each bucket is hand-polished, with special attention directed to the rear of the bucket to minimize internal aerodynamic drag.

Similar procedures are employed for cross-flow turbines, using the highest quality materials and advanced welding techniques.

Designed for Durability

Larger drive shafts are milled from high-strength chrome molybdenum steel and seated in oil-bath, double-row spherical roller bearings. Bearings have a minimum B-10 life of 100,000 hours, and are fitted with lube site gauges and temperature RTDs. Each bearing is sealed from internal water contamination using an extensive labyrinth seal system with centrifugal slingers, cups and a neoprene backup seal.

Rotating assemblies are both statically and dynamically balanced to minimize centrifugal stress at runaway speeds. Stainless steel needles and deflectors are machined for smooth operation and are designed for easy replacement. Even the paint is safeguarded with a durable base coat of epoxy primer.

While this dedication to quality is unusual in the industry, it reflects the craftsmanship that goes into every Canyon system. It is also your assurance that every effort has been taken to ensure reliable operation of your hydroelectric project.

Canyon Service and Support

With proper maintenance, a Canyon turbine should provide uninterrupted service for years. Still, if a problem should arise, you have the best support team in the business to back you up.

System availability is Canyon's highest priority. If a customer system should fail, system recovery takes priority over all other projects. Replacement parts are air-shipped and, if necessary, senior engineers will fly on-site to help resolve the problem.

With the exception of foundry castings, Canyon manufactures all of its own components in its extensive fabrication shop, which means you won't have to wait for an outside supplier for replacement parts.

Carbon steel, stainless alloys and aluminum are formed and welded on-site to applicable ASTM or ANSI codes. Large-capacity lathes accommodate up to 54 inches (137 cm) swing, with 240 inches (6.1 meters) between centers. Larger components can be machined using a vertical boring mill, with a capacity of 100 inches (2.5 meters) diameter. Drilling, vertical and horizontal milling machines, and other specialty tools — all operated by expert journeyman machinists — assure the fastest possible response when you need it the most.

Our Commitment to the Success of Your Project

A hydroelectric system from Canyon is a step above the rest. It is custom-designed for your installation, giving you the highest efficiency in converting hydraulic force to rotational torque. It is carefully fabricated using high-quality components, assuring extended, reliable service. And it's supported by a team of engineers with the knowledge and expertise necessary to ensure success.

Members of the Canyon Hydro team, pictured with components for a 7 megawatt system.

Canyon Hydro is not a large company, and therein lies its advantage. By specializing only in small hydro systems, Canyon is able to provide excellent equipment delivery times. Overhead is low, making it possible to produce high-quality, custom systems at prices competitive with general-purpose designs.

Canyon is a company of highly skilled craftsmen who, for three generations, have believed that substance is more important than hype, and that customer satisfaction is still the highest priority.

For more information about Canyon Hydro, or for a site evaluation and quotation, please Contact Us.