Dongfang Electric to develop in-situ AM for turbine seal rings at Three Gorges Dam

China Yangtze Power awarded Dongfang Electric Machinery a 15.8 million yuan (~$2.36 million) contract to develop in-situ additive manufacturing for repairing turbine runner seal rings at the Three Gorges hydropower station. The 29-month project covers rings 8.4 to 10.9 meters in diameter across eight generator types at the 22,500 MW facility.

• Contract worth 15.8 million yuan (~$2.36 million) runs 29 months
• Repairs target seal rings 8.4–10.9 m in diameter across eight generator types
• At least 10 patent applications required, including six invention patents
• Current practice replaces failed rings entirely, with transport and heat-fitting