Case Studies

H&N Electric Expands to Provide Innovative Solutions to Complex Hydropower Generator Repairs

H&N Electric began in 1979 as a family-owned business and has made a name for itself in electrical design and installation, electric motor and generator repair, outside field service, and predictive maintenance services. Now, as part of the Timken Power Systems network, its resources have increased, launching them into new territory and equipping them to provide even better services to customers in the United States and around the world. Jarid Leighty is the regional account manager for the southern region and shares in the following interview about how his team uses their depth of experience to upgrade generators, increasing power and improving efficiency—even for old machines that would otherwise become obsolete.

Hydro Leader: Would you tell us more about the history of H&N Electric, your employees, and your connection to Timken Power Systems?

Jarid Leighty: H&N Electric was founded in 1979 as a family-owned business and is a regional leader in electric motor and generator repair, outside field service, and predictive maintenance services. As H&N grew, we were acquired by the Timken Company, along with other gear and motor service facilities, which eventually formed the Timken Power Systems’ network of service facilities. As a group, we can work with one another to leverage our expertise to offer gear manufacturing and repair, electric motor and generator service, control systems expertise, and bearing repair that forms the backbone of our comprehensive drivetrain offering. Many of our employees have been with us for over a decade—some for more than 30 years. This longevity reflects the deep expertise and knowledge they bring to our customers. With extensive experience in motors, generators, and gearboxes, along with a strong background in our rewind shop, sales, and management, our team excels at delivering high-quality solutions, even in complex situations. We hold several patents for our repair process, and have an on-site DC Dyno Test Bed (dynamometer test bed), a unique system that accurately measures motor performance. It’s an invaluable tool—one that every motor shop should have.

Hydro Leader: Could you give us an overview of your product lines, services, and industries served?

Jarid Leighty: We are an ISO 9001-certified service center, specializing in motor and generator repair. Our expert application engineers provide 24/7/365 on-site assistance, servicing virtually any brand. We repair electric motors, generators, gearboxes, and control systems, while our field service team can handle alignments, startups, and diagnostic services for your critical equipment.

In addition to repairs, we offer new motor sales, covering a wide range of product lines and retrofitting obsolete models—about 10% of motor requests require redesign or re-engineering.

In terms of industries that we serve, our facility is outfitted to handle heavy industrial motor and generator repairs that support critical infrastructure industries such as Water Management, Power-Generation (including Hydroelectric and Wind), Agriculture, Cement, Mining, and Petrochemical, to name a few.

Hydro Leader: Could you talk to us about the work you're doing in the hydropower industry and the products you offer?

Jarid Leighty: In the hydropower industry, The Pacific Northwest's extensive river systems support numerous hydro turbine generators in the 10 megawatt and lower capacity, which play a crucial role in powering surrounding communities. With these facilities under constant pressure to maintain reliable operations, the demand for hydropower solutions remains strong, making this region a key area for our services.

We have been repairing and rewinding hydropower generators in the 10 megawatt power range since our inception, ensuring these critical systems receive durable, high-quality repairs. With limited-service options available for these specialized units, we take pride in delivering long-lasting solutions to keep them operating reliably.

Hydro Leader: What sets you apart and makes your services unique?

Jarid Leighty: We expanded our facility seven years ago, adding 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art motor repair equipment, designed to accommodate both current and future needs. With the capability to service motors up to 10,000 horsepower and extensive testing equipment, including Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) tanks and a 50-ton overhead bridge crane spanning our new shop, we are the largest motor repair facility in the Pacific Northwest. Our ISO certification reflects our commitment to quality, and our employees take great pride in delivering exceptional results, as seen in the Farmers and Meyers Falls case studies.

 

Hydro Leader: Talk to us about those case studies and the project success you had with Farmers Irrigation District and the Meyers Falls Hydroelectric Plant.

Jarid Leighty: Farmers Irrigation operates two hydropower units on the Hood River in Oregon. They approached us for a rewind quote on a 38-year-old generator from 1987 that was still running but had lost efficiency over time. After winning the bid, we completed the project with a three-month turnaround.

During the rewind process, our engineers identified an opportunity to upgrade the windings for improved efficiency and higher output. When we restarted the upgraded generator a few months ago, we recorded a temperature drop of 30°F—a significant improvement. Since excess heat is one of the leading causes of failure in generators and electric motors, this reduction will greatly enhance the unit’s reliability and lifespan.

The customer was thrilled with the results, and based on these upgrades, we estimate the generator could remain in service for another 30 years.

At the Meyers Falls Hydroelectric Project on the Colville River in Washington, two units failed during a controls upgrade last year. Previously, they operated at 11,000 volts, using a transformer to step up the voltage to 13,800 volts. As part of the upgrade, they opted to eliminate the transformer in favor of a direct 13,800-volt output.

Our engineers redesigned the coils with improved insulation and updated copper, achieving not only the required 13,800 volts but also a 50% increase in efficiency and power output. The results exceeded expectations, and the team at Meyers Falls was extremely satisfied.

For a closer look at the project, check out our YouTube case study featuring insights from our engineers and the Meyers Falls team.

Hydro Leader: For a potential new client, would you give a quick overview of a timeline for starting a project and the continuing support you offer?

Jarid Leighty: We have a straightforward account setup process that typically takes just a couple of days. Once a repair request is received, we gather the necessary details and provide a quote. Upon approval, we begin the project promptly.

After completing our services, we follow up with customers to ensure everything is operating smoothly. We encourage them to monitor their equipment and share any changes in performance, such as temperature fluctuations or other indicators. Our warranty support is customer-focused, and if any issues arise, we are committed to addressing them promptly.

Hydro Leader: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Jarid Leighty: I’m thankful for this opportunity to let your readers know about our work so they have another source for generator repairs. We stand by all of our products and offer our customers a 1-year service warranty on parts and labor (up to 18-months if not put into service immediately).

Hydro Leader: What is your vision for the future?

Jarid Leighty: We aim to become a recognized leader in the small hydropower generation industry, and known as the go-to provider for hydropower generator repair and upgrades. While we've built a strong reputation in the wind industry—rewinding and rebuilding generators nationwide we’ve also introduced significant design improvements to enhance performance and reliability.

H&N ELECTRIC
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