Benesov, Czech Republic – 20 January 2007 - Mavel, a.s. announced successfully commissioned the refurbished Podluzany hydroelectric power plant in Slovakia on December 15, 2006.

The Podluzany plant already had one Francis turbine with an asynchronous generator installed and there was a permit for five additional micro MT5 turbines under a 1991 permit. Given changes in the energy sector, however, the owner ZPMS Eneko determined to install a Kaplan turbine instead of the micro turbines.

Mavel delivered one KA 1580 with runner diameter of 1580 mm, three turbine blades and 16 guide vanes. Due to higher efficiencies, the Kaplan turbine is now running as the primary unit with the Francis turbine being put into operation at high or low flows.

The total installed power of the Kaplan turbine is 452 kW at the site which as head of 3.9 meters, flows between 2.3 and 13.5 cubic meters per second and speed of 475 rpm. The Francis turbine has installed power of 55 kW, flow of 4 cubic meters per second and head of 2 meters.

Mavel's scope also included a generator, trash racks, cleaning machines, draft tube gate hydraulics and electrical equipment.

Mavel, a.s. is a Benesov, Czech Republic - based designer and manufacturer of turbines for hydroelectric power plants from 25 kW to 25 MW. Founded in 1990, the company exports 95% of production and now has installed approximately 300 Mavel turbines at over 210 installations around the globe.