Zoomlion Crane Assembles Chinas Largest Pumped Storage Unit

If pumped storage power stations are considered the "super power banks" of electrical grids, then hydroelectric turbine units serve as their core power engines. The Pankou Pumped Storage Power Station in Hubei Province recently achieved a critical construction milestone with the precise installation of the first unit's stay ring.

In heavy equipment operations, even millimeter-level errors can lead to significant safety hazards and economic losses. The successful installation of this massive component was accomplished using a 450-ton crawler crane from Zoomlion, demonstrating China's advanced heavy equipment capabilities.

As a key project in China's national pumped storage development plan and Hubei Province's 14th Five-Year Plan, the Pankou station holds strategic importance for regional energy infrastructure. Upon completion, it will significantly enhance the peak regulation capacity and operational stability of the local power grid.

The project represents China's most technically challenging pumped storage development currently under construction, featuring the largest water head variation range and the biggest runner diameter among ultra-low head pumped storage projects nationwide.

The stay ring, serving as the critical framework of the hydroelectric turbine unit, directly impacts the machine's operational efficiency and stability. The installed component boasts a maximum rotation diameter exceeding 13 meters, making it the largest stay ring for pumped storage units in China.

The massive component arrived at the site in two sections, weighing approximately 92 tons and 85 tons respectively, with a combined weight of 177 tons. Measuring 10.1 meters in maximum outer diameter and 3.14 meters in height, the installation required millimeter-level precision within the confined space of the power station's powerhouse, presenting extraordinary engineering challenges.

Facing these challenges, the construction team implemented meticulous planning and ultimately selected Zoomlion's 450-ton crawler crane for the operation. The heavy equipment demonstrated exceptional performance and stability throughout the three-day installation process that began on July 14.

The crane successfully executed the segmented lifting operation through two precise movements, completing the installation of stay rings for two units with remarkable efficiency, safety, and accuracy. This achievement showcases China's growing expertise in heavy industrial equipment manufacturing and complex engineering operations.

The successful installation marks a crucial step forward for the project, laying a solid foundation for subsequent spiral case installation work. The construction milestone ensures the project remains on schedule for timely completion and commissioning.