The ITAIPU Hydroelectric Power Plant (CHI) is immersed in a technological update project unprecedented in the world. Among the notable innovations is the implementation of a revolutionary fire extinguishing system for the Main Step-up Transformers of the Generating Units (TUs), which is part of a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the safety and operational efficiency of the plant.
In this sense, for the first time ITAIPU carried out the Fire Test (test of fire systems), which was carried out at the Rise Fire Research Laboratory, located in Norway. Engineers Derlis Fabián Vera Estigarribia and Camilo Alexandre Furlanetto, specialists from the Binacional Engineering Superintendence, accompanied these tests, carried out in mid-May. The exercise also included the participation of the suppliers of the Water Mist system, CF-Sistemas (Brazil), General Electric Vernova (France) representing the ITAIPU Modernization Consortium (CMI) and Danfoss (Denmark).
The tests carried out in Norway were defining to establish the parameters of the project to be implemented in ITAIPU, which followed rigorous international protocols required in the Technical Specifications and defined by the Factory Mutual (FM5560 – Approval Standard for Water Mist Systems) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Industrial Security
The modernization of the fire fighting system responds to today’s demanding industrial safety regulations. With the constant growth in energy demand and the urgent need to guarantee operational continuity, fire protection has become an unavoidable priority. The new system, called “Water Mist”, will ensure a rapid response to suppress any fire source and will help minimize risks to infrastructure and people.
The Water Mist fire fighting system will replace the current Water Spray system installed in the 60 TU’s. Among the main benefits of the new system, the significant improvement in its extinguishing capacity stands out, whose technology is based on the production of water microparticles, up to 3,000 times smaller than that produced by the Water Spray system, which contribute more efficiently with the absorption of heat and the reduction of oxygen around the fire.
Additionally, this water mist penetrates existing spaces more easily, extinguishing flames more efficiently and using significantly less water compared to traditional systems, which also makes it more sustainable.
Laboratory test
During the tests, the Rise Fire Research Laboratory manufactured a sheet metal envelope structure with the same dimensions as the TU main Transformer Cell, building a 1:1 scale model that replicated the real conditions of ITAIPU. With the accompaniment of technical professionals, arson and combat tests were carried out using the Water Mist system to evaluate its effectiveness and make the necessary adjustments to the technical parameters for the fire extinguishing system.
The conclusion of the tests was satisfactory and with the results obtained it will be possible to completely define the parameters of the project to be implemented at ITAIPU.
This advancement not only improves the safety and efficiency of ITAIPU’s production area, but also reinforces its commitment to innovation and sustainability in energy generation. With the Fire Test in Norway, ITAIPU takes a step forward towards a safer and more efficient future in hydroelectric energy production.
