AFTER

1. Machinery

 Power generator

An electric generator is any device capable of maintaining a difference in electrical potential

between two of its points (called poles, terminals or terminals) transforming mechanical energy
into electrical energy. This transformation is achieved by the action of a magnetic field on the
electrical conductors arranged on a rebar (also called stator). If a relative movement occurs
mechanically between the conductors and the field, an electromotive force will be generated.

Although the generated current is alternating current, it can be rectified to obtain a direct
current. The diagram attached shows the induced current in a single single-phase generator.
Most AC generators are three phases.

The reverse process would be that performed by an electric motor, which transforms electrical
energy into mechanics
  Pelton Turbine

A Pelton turbine is one of the most efficient types of hydraulic turbine. It is a motor, tangential
flow (transverse) turbo machine, partial intake and action. It consists of a wheel (rodete or
rotor) equipped with spoons on its periphery, which are specially made to convert the energy of
a jet of water that influences the spoons.

Pelton turbines are designed to exploit large low-flow hydraulic jumps. Hydroelectric plants
equipped with this type of turbine have, for the most part, a long pipe called a pressure gallery
to transport the fluid from high altitudes, sometimes up to more than 1500 meters. At the end
of the pressure gallery, water is supplied to the turbine by one or more needle valves, also
called nozzles, which are nozzle-shaped to increase the flow rate on the spoons.
Operation

La tobera o inyector lanza directamente el chorro de agua contra la serie de paletas en forma
de cuchara montadas alrededor del borde de una rueda; el doble de la distancia entre el eje
de la rueda y el centro del chorro de agua se denomina diámetro Pelton. El agua acciona
sobre las cucharas intercambiando energía con la rueda en virtud de su cambio de cantidad
de movimiento, que es casi de 180°. Podemos observar en la figura anexa un corte de una
pala en el diámetro Pelton; el chorro de agua impacta sobre la pala en el medio, es dividido en
dos, los cuales salen de la pala en sentido casi opuesto al que entraron, pero jamás puede
salir el chorro de agua en dirección de 180° ya que si fuese así el chorro golpearía a la pala
sucesiva y habría un efecto frenante. La sección de entrada del fluido a la cuchara se
denomina 11, así como 12 a la sección de salida.
  Engine control center

An Engine Control Center (ECC) is by definition a board that feeds, controls and protects
circuits whose load essentially consists of motors and which it uses starters (contactors and
relays) as main components of Control. It consists of an arrangement or combination of
several grouped starters in a cabinet or general board, of a self-supporting type, to protect a
certain group of engines, which also allows you to achieve through your internal wiring the
automation to perform a certain process.
Functions:
 Check the engine.
 Ensure the safety of the staff.
 Protect the assembly from electrical failure.
  Oil coolers

This makes oil measurements of the generators and turbine, for maintenance.

The function of an oil indicator is to give you a visual reading of the oil pressure inside the
engine. It has an indicator needle and a reading scale. The numerical scale (usually in PSI)
usually has a green zone and in some areas it is red. A pressure sensor inside the motor
sends information to the oil meter and the needle moves accordingly.

The oil meter is an important part of an engine diagnostic system in general. All engines need
oil to function properly. The internal oil pump accumulates pressure and circulates oil through
internal ducts to critical components such as bearings and bar connection. Without this, the
components overheat and the final effect is that the engine self-destructs. The oil indicator
gives the driver a visual indication of the health of the lubrication system by visualizing the
engine oil pressure.
  Needle valves or injectors

It is a nozzle designed to reduce the desired values the flow, and with them the loss of load in
the driving. Loss of cargo occurs with the friction of the fluid with the pipe surface with the
forced conduction.

This device contains a closing needle whose movement increases or decreases the opening of
the nozzle and also the flow rate.

The movement of this needle is achieved by a control mechanism.

  Yellow phone

This is a very important communication device, because they are in every section of the
machine house, these phones are used when the control center needs to communicate some
urgency, because when something does not work they come to it, and it is possible to listen
even with the noise that exists in the machine house.
  Spiral chamber or snail

To get water into the rode from the distributor crown there is a spiral chamber or snail that
takes care of the proper dosing at each point of entry of the water.

Spiral-shaped, steel-shielded circular cross-sectional hydraulic conduit that surrounds the

distributor to provide uniform flow of water inlet to a reaction turbine, or outlet from a pump
diffuser.

Its function is to evenly distribute the fluid at the inlet of the laud. The spiral or snail shape is
due to the average speed of the fluid must remain constant at each point of the fluid. The cross
section of the same can be rectangular or circular, the latter being the most used.
  Voltage Meter

It is a measuring instrument that is used to measure

the difference in electrical potential, also known as
voltage, between two points in an electric current.
The voltage is known as the potential electric energy
per charge unit, it is responsible for the conduction
of a current from one electron to another electron.
The amount of positive electrical charge is
measured as it enters a point within an electrical
circuit and then measures the negative input as it
passes through another point.

 Transformer

It is a device that converts the alternating electrical energy of a certain voltage level into
alternating energy of another voltage level, based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic
induction. It consists of two coils of conductive material, wound on a closed core of
ferromagnetic material, but electrically isolated from each other.
  Electric Transformer

It is called transformer or trafo (abbreviation), an electrical device that converts the alternating
electric energy of a certain voltage level, into alternating energy of another voltage level, by
means of the action of a magnetic field. The Power that enters the equipment, in the case of
an ideal transformer (that is, without losses), is equal to that obtained at the output. Real
machines have a small percentage of losses, depending on their design, size, etc. It consists
of two or more coils of conductive material, electrically isolated from each other usually
wrapped around the same core of ferromagnetic material. The only connection between the
coils is the common magnetic flux that is established in the core.

 Oil Meter

The measurement is made with different systems,

depending on the situation of the vessel and the frequency
of the control; with respect to the engine oil, it is generally
carried out by means of a rod that has 2 notches that
indicate the maximum and the minimum between which
the level of the lubricant in the crankcase must be
maintained.
  Plotter

They are the instruments used to record sources of temperature, humidity and process signals.
The more traditional temperature recorders record data on paper. The paper is passed under a
pen and it is deflected depending on the signal. The result is a graph or data table.
 2. Power Production
Fortuna hydroplant belongs to the company Enel Green Power Panama which is one of the
largest service companies in the world. It is the largest power company in Italy, Spain and
Slovakia. It is also the main operator in Latin America. Recently they have been in charge of
the construction of the Sarigua solar plant, the first and only in the Panamanian territory.

We learned this in the video that we were put in the control house, In it is an operator in charge
of monitoring the most important hydroelectric generator in the country, responsible for
generating more than 20% of the energy consumed in Panama.

The operator of the system must be in constant communication with the National Dispatch
Center (CND) which is responsible for managing the production and consumption of energy in
Panama. The Fortuna generator works depending on the cnd's addresses. As energy
consumption varies, whether increasing or declining, the CND decides whether it will require
more or less power from the generator. It all depends on the demand.

 That's how energy is produced

The operation of the Enel Fortuna plant is based on the use of the potential energy of the
water located in the reservoir, which can store a volume of water of 172.3 million cubic meters.

1) The water from the reservoir is driven to the Machine House located at a lower level,
through tunnel and reinforced pipe with the purpose of transforming that energy into
potential water pressure energy that is controlled by spherical valves and injectors.

2) This potential water pressure energy when opening the injectors and when the water
collides with the pelton lap, is transformed into mechanical energy by rotating the
generator rotor.

3) Finally the mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy in the generator and
transported to the transmission lines. Water passing through the turbine is evicted from
the Machine House through the Unload tunnel.
 3. Daily use tools

During the tour we were finding posters stuck on the wall which indicated the mandatory use of
the tools, which have to be used daily for worker protection. Among these tools we can
mention:

 The "safety helmet" is essential to

avoid accidents and injuries since
head injuries can affect in a way
that damages the vision, language
and other functions that the brain is
responsible for.
 Hearing protectors are personal
protective equipment that, due to
their properties for sound
attenuation, reduce the effects of
noise on hearing, thus preventing damage to the ear. Ear protectors reduce noise by
obstructing their trajectory from the source to the ear canal
 Electricity poses a variety of risks at work. Workers can electrocute or accumulate static
electricity that can create sparks in certain environments. These types of accidents are
especially deadly, so special care must be taken. To reduce the risk it is necessary to
wear non-conductive footwear made of leather, rubber or other materials that do not
conduct electricity.
 Safety gloves must be worn by all Company
personnel, whether production or supervision who are
exposed to detailed risks. The third part of accidents
at work in the industry has been involving the fingers,
hands and arms. Due to the great vulnerability of the
fingers and hands, for their constant action on tools,
machines and elements, they require continuous
protection

In the same way, during the tour we could find a sign in the halls which indicated the use of
some security tools, which will be useful in case of emergency
4. Safety Tools

 Breathing Autonomous Team

A self-contained breathing apparatus or ERA is a device

designed for rescue teams, firefighters and other workers
working in oxygen-poor atmospheres. These equipments are not
designed for underwater use.

 Emergency stretcher

It is a device, frame or utensil used to transport an injured

person from one place to another.
 Emergency evacuation mask

It is a device for individual use, which adjusts to the head to

protect against vapors and poisonous gases during a certain
period.

 Safety equipment for battery care work

Special personal protective equipment to reduce the likelihood of

the body coming into contact with chemical agents. This can
protect people and staff from injuries at work.
 Helmet

It is a form of protective garment worn on the head and usually

made of metal or some other resistant material, typically for the
protection of the head against objects.

 Ear protection helmets

They are objects designed to

cover a person's ears either for
protection from outside noise or for
heat.

 Boots
It is a type of footwear that aims to protect the worker from
the dangers of his trade such as falling objects, knocks on
the foot, low, medium and high voltage, in addition to cold
and heat, spillage of aggressive liquids or molten metals.

 Reflective vest
 It is an clothing used by people who walk on places where cars
circulate to improve their safety when they are illuminated by the
headlight. Reflective vests are normally in neon color and equipped
with reflective bands.

 Extinguisher

Portable device to extinguish fires or fires of small magnitude

consisting of a kind of large bottle inside which there is a liquid,
foamy substance.

5. Plant Infrastructure
 The Fortuna hydroelectric plant is a hydroelectric with a reservoir
and is located in the province of Chiriquí was inaugurated in March
1984, with an installed capacity of 300 MW (3 units or Pelton
turbines of 100 MW each) taking advantage of the flowing waters of
the Chiriquí River diverted by a dam of enrocado with screen of
concrete of about 100 meters of height. It has a 6.0 km long
pressure tunnel, an 8.0 km long discharge tunnel and a 1.6 km long
machine house access tunnel; The machine house is underground
(430 meters deep). The normal level of operation is the 1050 meters
level above the average sea level, pouring the turbine water at a
height of 242 meters above the average sea level, its maximum
turbine flow is 45 m3/s. Fortuna hydroelectric is one the main
suppliers of the Republic of Panamá an its current owner is ENEL
Fortuna.
The hydroelectric plant is located approximately 22 kilometers northeast of the city David, very
close to the town of Gualaca, it started operating in November 2003. This plant has two units
for a total installed capacity of 120 MW.
It uses the turbulent waters or discharges of the Fortuna hydroelectric with the addition of the
Chiriquí waters and diverted flows of the Caldera Rivers, Barrigón stream. The power station
consists of two dams, one concrete on the Chiriquí River and the other on the Barrigón gorge,
a canal approximately 5.7 km long to the machine house, with landfill in the Estí River. Its
current owner is AES Panamá.
The operation of the ENEL Fortuna plant is based on the use of the potential energy of the
water located in the reservoir, which can store a water volume of 172.3 million cubic meters.
1. Water from the reservoir is taken to the machine house located at a lower level (765m),
through a tunnel and reinforced pipe with the purpose of transforming that energy into potential
water pressure energy that is controlled by means of spherical valves and injectors.
2. This potential energy of water pressure when opening the
injectors and when the water collides with the Pelton impeller, is
transformed into mechanical energy by rotating the generator rotor.
3. Finally, the mechanical energy is transformed into electrical
energy in the generator and is transported to the transmission lines.
The water that passes through the turbine is discharged from the
machine house through the discharge tunnel.
The ENEL Fortuna plant has three generators of 100 MW each,
which together produce an average hydrology year of 1,450 GWH,
which is approximately 23% of Panama´s electricity needs.  
6. Environment Policy
The General Law on the Environment creates the Environmental Impact Assessment Process,
as "Environmental Management Instrument", in article 23, as part of a set of technical tools of
the same name in Title IV. These instruments will become Mi Ambiente form of management
of the country's sustainable development.

"In the mountainous region of the Valley of the Sierpe

there are formations of forests that by their location
perform functions of interest in the regulation of the
water regime, protection of the soil and wildlife refuge"
and that "in the surroundings of these mountains are
born rivers Chiri and Hornito and many ravines that
constitute important water resources for use in the
Fortuna Hydroelectric Project".

Executive Decree No. 68 on September 21,

1976
Mesoamerican Biological of the Panamanian Atlantic
(CBMAP) and the National System of Protected Zones
of Panama, comprises 19,500 hectares of cloud forests,
home to some 1,900 species of animals and plants, and
500 hectares of buffer zone, which is inhabited by
indigenous peoples engaged in basic agriculture.
Within the Reserve there is a reservoir of about 1,000 ha at the highest level, which supplies
the water necessary for the operation of the Fortuna Hydroelectric Power Plant, also known as
Edwin Fábrega. Due to its very high biodiversity, the Fortuna Forest Reserve is considered the
Central Zone of the World Biosphere Reserve.

AGRICUTURAL CROPS

FOREST

THICKETS

GRASS AND STUBLE

GRASS

The forests of the Fortuna Forest Reserve

have easily identifiable elements such as
trees and palm trees, where epiphytes,
briophytes, ferns and some parasitic plants
predominate. The most common trees in
almost pure supports found in this area, with
heights of up to 30 meters, correspond to the
guayabo (Oreomunnea sp), to several
species of the genus Quercus (mameicillo,
lillo and others); which, are found in wooded
areas of more than 1 000 meters above sea
level, in the hills, also characterize the Low
Mountain Forest and the transition to the Low
Mountain Forest, and are dominant elements.

This reserve has an important

participation in the regulation and
protection of the country's water
resources, so it requires a management
focused on its protection and
conservation.
Environmental Management Instruments and their Impact on the Reference
Project.

Instrument LEGAL PROVISION REGULATION OF THE IMPAC

THAT CREATES IT INSTRUMENT OR PAPER IN
THE LEGAL ORDER
Environmental Article 22 of the Executive Decree No. 283 of Average. E
Management of the General Law on the 2006 affect the
Territory Environment deprecated.

Environmental Impact Regulated by Executive Decree High. It un

Assessment Article 23 of the No. 123 of August 14, 2009, as and groups
General Law on the amended by Executive Decree mostly comp
Environment No. 155 of 2011 and Executive
Decree No. 395 of 2012
Environmental Quality Article 32 of the Executive Decree No. 58 of 16 High. Thes
Standards General Law on the April 2000. national terr
Environment
Clean Products Article 39 of the Executive Decree No. 100 of Low. At le
Certification General Law on the 2008 project this
Environment
Good Practice Guide Law No. 65 of 2010 Unregulated Low. It's n
standard is
unenforceab
Control, Monitoring Articles 40- 44 of the Executive Decree No. 33 of 26 High. In ad
and Control General Law on the February 2007 (as an the LGA
Environment environmental public policy). implemente
functions of
Environmental Audits Article 40 of the Executive Decree No. 57 of Low. It is
General Law on the March 10, 2004 applies, lea
Environment project.
Environmental Article 44 of the Executive Decree No. 57 of Low. It is
Management and General Law on the March 10, 2004 applies and
Adequacy Programs Environment project.
Inspections Article 40 of the Unregulated High. ANA
General Law on the resources.
Environment
Environmental Article 53 and 54 of Unregulated High. They
Disaster Risk and the General Law on regulated E
Contingency the Environment
Prevention Plans
Environmental Law No. 10 of 1992 Unregulated Low. It ha
Education mitigation
"environmen
but not in
legislation, w
 the State.
Scientific and Article 35-36 of the Executive Decree No. 234 of Average.
Technological General Law on the 2006 subsummed
Research Program Environment source.
Environmental Article 42 of the Unregulated Average.
Information General Law on the subsummed
Environment source.
National Law N 53 of 2010 Unregulated Average.
Environmental subsummed
Account source.
 7. Crew of Engineers

Fortunately, we find engineers trained to

maintain the operation of the
hydroelectric plant, whose function is to
provide electricity constantly to the
country and that its generation is not
affected.

As we all get to see the hydroelectric has

different types of engineers, such as
environmental engineers, who are
responsible for the dam, where the water
level is constantly measured so that it is
not affected by the consumption of
electricity generation and then they study
the water that comes out of the drain so that this is not a danger to nature.

It also has civil engineers; who are in charge of studying the structures from the
dam to the machine house and that the visitors do not run dangers due to lack of
maintenance of structures or by detachment of rocks from earthquakes.
Mechanical engineers are an important part of the operation of the hydroelectric
plant since they maintain constant monitoring in the engine house, so that none of
the three generators is affected by lack of maintenance and can fulfill their
functions of electricity generation.

The electrical and electromechanical engineers are responsible for the energy
produced, be distributed in the same amount in high voltage cables and there is no
overload in which it affects users and also maintain a monitoring of the coverage of
the electricity nationwide. And finally, we have the systems engineers who are the
ones in the control tower monitoring everything that happens in the hydroelectric
power plant, thanks to the sensors established in each zone, and at the national
level they keep monitoring so that the electricity does not missing.
 8. Other details

environmental evaluation:

The management of the upper

Chiriquí river basin has some

environmental and social

background that deserve to be

highlighted by the benefits they brought during construction and have had during

the operation of the hydroelectric plant. On the other hand, it is also important to

note that with the construction of the Edwin Fábrega hydroelectric plant, a historic

step was taken when the first environmental assessment was carried out for a

development project in Panama. However, the Terms of Reference (ToR) for that

study are far from what is required at this time for a similar project. But even so, the

study's own recommendations also Technoscience, Vol. 6, No. 2 189

they have a historical content since in practice the equivalent of an Environmental

Management Plan was proposed, an unknown element at the time of this

environmental assessment and which becomes a requirement in environmental

impact studies some twenty years later. The environmental and social studies for

the Fortuna project were commissioned by the IRHE and the World Bank to the

former Gorgas Memorial Laboratory in Panama City. National and international

scientists and professionals from the Gorgas Laboratory itself, the University of

Panama, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and other scientific

institutions of the United States participated in the study; It lasted nine (9) months

and was executed in 1976.

Ventilation:

Hydroelectric has the supply of oxygen

through industrial fans that provide a

more favorable working environment,

maintains a certain level of pressure, as

well as giving more stable conditions in

terms of temperature for machines and

generators.

Temperature:

The temperature in Edwin Fabrega hydroelectric power was maintained at

adequate temperatures to work, either inside the underground facilities or in the

main facilities, but when talking about the exterminator in the command room a

cool temperature was found and in the Fortuna dam a cooler temperature.

Earthquakes:

Earthquakes, earthquakes and replicas of earthquakes are almost unpredictable

effects, but Edwin Fabrega hydroelectric has indispensable manuals for these life

situations in which being in projects of this magnitude are necessary; but

hydropower over the years has proven to be a civil work with a high level of

construction.

How many people work in hydropower?

Around 45 people work among their professions ranging from mechanics,

engineers, technicians and security.

How to work?
Edwin Fabrega hydropower provided information

on how to enter to work in it, starting as an

operator and reaching high levels as general

manager; But the most important thing is your

academic training that constituted mainly in engineering such as environmental,

civil, electrical

and mechanical, these being the first steps to have a stable job and with
the income, comforts that are expected to be in such a large company.

What is the hydroelectric owner company?

ENEL Green power.

Enel Green power has a total of 1216 plants around the world, from

hydroelectric to geothermal.

The company is also found on continents such as Europe, Asia, Oceania, America,

Africa