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Mechanical governors have been the steadfast hydroelectric control system for over a century. The reliability and longevity of these governors has inspired confidence in generations of hydro maintenance crews and thousands of them remain in service today around the world. Governors built in the early 1900’s can meet the vigorous regulations of today, even as governor technology digitally evolves.
Through most of the 20th century, governor upgrades were low on most owners’ priority list. The original equipment governors worked well and were extremely reliable; maintenance crews understood how they worked and knew how to service them; spare parts were either on-hand or readily available; and the major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) continued to provide good support.
All that changed by the year 2000. Governor-only OEMs had either gone out of business or been acquired. Parts were increasingly expensive and lead times were long. Plant crews found creative ways to get parts: they bought them locally; borrowed from other plants; or simply made parts themselves.
Yet, governor technology had long since evolved into digital control, and governor OEMs made a business decision to cut off support for their legacy governors. When customers requested parts, they were told that their governors were obsolete and, although some parts were still available, support would end. Plants were encouraged to begin planning for digital upgrades.
Today, there are myriad options available for owners of ‘orphaned’ governors. Parts, service and training are available from non-OEM providers, and digital upgrades are no longer mandatory. With support still available, owners and operators can make a reasoned decision regarding governor upgrades.
Reasons to Upgrade to Digital Controls:
1. Relicensing-driven control upgrades
2. Market-driven enhancements
3. Personnel-driven operations changes
Reasons to Maintain Your Legacy Controls:
1. Parts and repair services are available
2. Tailored training is available
3. Readily available retrofit kits improve performance
4. Short digital product lifecycle due to rapidly evolving technology
Emerson has a comprehensive portfolio of support for legacy mechanical and new digital governors alike, and the company’s Governor Decision Matrix and governor experts can help you prioritize the factors to consider before deciding the future of your plant or fleet. Learn more and make the best-informed decision with Emerson’s Governor Decision Matrix. Request your copy today.
