Rio Grande Hydroelectric Complex Explained

Rio Grande Hydroelectric Complex
Coordinates:-32.2218°N -64.6365°W
Country:Argentina
Location:Calamuchita Department, Córdoba Province
Status:O
Construction Began:1976
Opening:1986
Cost:US$315 million
Owner:Provincial Power Company Córdoba
Res Name:Cerro Pelado Reservoir
Res Capacity Total:3675000m2
Lower Res Name:Arroyo Corto Reservoir
Lower Res Capacity Total:1600000m2
Plant Turbines:4 x 187.5 MW reversible Francis-type
Plant Hydraulic Head:185m (607feet)
Plant Capacity:750MW
Plant Annual Gen:977GWh

The Rio Grande Hydroelectric Complex is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in the Calamuchita Department of Córdoba Province, Argentina. The complex consists of two dams and a power station in the Cerro Pelado Valley. Aside from power generation, the complex also serves to control floods and provide municipal water. The two dams on the Tercero River are the Cerro Pelado Dam which forms the upper reservoir and the Arroyo Corto Dam which forms the lower reservoir. The Cerro Pelado dam is 104m (341feet) high and long while the Arroyo Corto is tall and in length. Water from the upper reservoir is sent to the underground power station during periods of high power demand. The power station contains four reversible Francis turbine-generators. Water from the power station is discharged into the lower reservoir. During periods of lower power demand such as at night, water is pumped with the same turbines back up to the upper reservoir for use in peak hours. The difference in elevation between the two reservoirs affords a hydraulic head of .[1] Construction on the complex began in 1976 and the generators were commissioned in 1986.[2]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hydroelectric power plants . Panedile . 28 April 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140429045358/http://www.panedile.com.ar/archivos/Hidraulicas-in.pdf . 29 April 2014 .
  2. Web site: Historical Review . EPEC . 28 April 2014 . Spanish.