Project Information
- Client: Datong Pumped Storage Hydropower Project
- Location: Shanxi Province, China
- Equipment Supplied: 320-Ton Double Girder Overhead Crane
- Application: Turbine Hall Installation & Maintenance Operations
Large overhead cranes play a critical role inside hydropower facilities. In many projects, they support turbine installation, generator maintenance, and long-term equipment servicing. As a result, crane stability and positioning accuracy directly affect plant operation efficiency.
Recently, Weihua Group completed the acceptance testing process for a 320-ton double-girder overhead crane supplied to the Datong Pumped Storage Hydropower Project in Shanxi Province.
The customer required more than a high lifting capacity alone. In addition, the project demanded precise load positioning, reliable long-term operation, and stable performance in a high-humidity underground environment.
Customized Design for Hydropower Applications
During the engineering phase, Weihua’s technical team worked closely with the project owner to match the crane design with actual turbine hall requirements.
Unlike conventional industrial lifting projects, hydropower applications often involve larger equipment components, stricter safety standards, and more complex maintenance procedures. Therefore, Weihua customized the crane structure and control system specifically for this application.
The crane uses a modular double girder box structure designed to improve span stability and reduce deflection during heavy lifting operations.
At the same time, Weihua engineers equipped the crane with:
- A 320-ton main hoist and a 50-ton auxiliary hoist for different lifting tasks
- Independent control systems for complex turbine component handling
- Variable frequency drive technology for smoother speed control
- Millimeter-level positioning accuracy during rotor assembly operations
- C5-M corrosion protection coating for humid underground conditions
- Stainless-steel fasteners for improved long-term durability
- Overload protection, anti-collision monitoring, and dual braking systems
Because hydropower facilities operate continuously over long periods, reliability and maintenance safety remained key priorities throughout the design process.
Factory Testing and On-Site Commissioning
Before final handover, Weihua carried out factory pre-assembly and multiple stages of on-site testing.
First, the commissioning team completed no-load operation trials to verify traveling stability and control response. After that, engineers conducted static load testing at 100% rated capacity for 10 minutes.
Next, the team performed 110% dynamic overload testing across all crane movements, including hoisting, trolley travel, and bridge travel operations.
During the testing process, engineers closely monitored:
- Girder deflection performance
- Brake response time
- Hoist synchronization accuracy
- Control system stability under asymmetric loading conditions
Meanwhile, the client’s engineering representatives attended the final acceptance inspection and reviewed all operating data on site.
According to the final test results, the crane met both GB/T 14405 and IEC 60204-32 standards. The customer then approved the handover documentation and officially completed project acceptance.
Supporting Long-Term Hydropower Operations
The 320-ton overhead crane now supports turbine assembly, generator maintenance, and routine heavy equipment servicing inside the Datong hydropower facility.
For pumped storage projects, reliable lifting equipment plays an important role in maintenance scheduling and operational safety. Consequently, many project owners now pay closer attention to crane reliability, control precision, and long-term service support during equipment selection.
To support the customer after commissioning, Weihua also provided localized spare parts planning and technical service support for future maintenance requirements.
Heavy-Duty Crane Solutions for Energy Infrastructure
Today, hydropower projects continue expanding across domestic and international energy markets. At the same time, demand for reliable heavy-duty overhead cranes continues to grow.
Weihua’s hydropower crane division provides customized lifting solutions for turbine halls, power stations, and large-scale energy infrastructure projects. In addition, the company supports customers with layout consultation, structural verification, factory acceptance coordination, and on-site commissioning services.
