Patent ID: 8314507

Claim:
A turbine replacement unit for replacement of at least one double runner horizontal submersible installation for a hydroelectric plant including at least one submerged coupling and at least one submerged bearing supported by a submerged bearing pedestal in which each of the two runners discharge a flow into a common draft tube, the replacement unit comprising: a single runner positioned to replace each of the two runners, the single runner receiving a flow and discharging the flow into the existing common draft tube; a series of wicket gates positioned adjacent the single runner and operable to control the volume of flow into the runner; a dry pit assembly positioned to surround the submerged pedestal and define an air space around the submerged pedestal; an oil-flooded bearing positioned on the pedestal to replace the submerged bearing; a vacuum breaker system operable to fill the runner and the existing common draft tube with air when the series of wicket gates is closed; a shaft supporting the runner for rotation and at least partially supported for rotation by the oil-flooded bearing; and a generator coupled to the shaft and operable to produce an electrical power in response to rotation of the shaft.