Kakabeka Generating Station
Kakabeka Generating Station | |
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Kakabeka Generating Station is a
Kakabeka Generating Station began operating in 1906, with two hydroelectric generating units. A third unit was added in 1911, and a fourth was added in 1914.[1] Its four units provide a peak output of 25 MW, enough energy to supply 14,000 homes.[2]
The station is among the oldest power stations in Ontario,
Overview
The facility includes a dam located 2 km (1.2 mi) upstream from the powerhouse, which is used to divert and control the water flowing to the generating station. It consists of a main sluice operated from Thunder Bay and six stop log sluices operated manually on-site. The intake structure is located on the eastern end of the dam and water flow into the aqueduct is controlled by three gated intake openings. The 2 km (1.2 mi) aqueduct has an internal diameter of 5 m (16 ft), and terminates at a large surge chamber. Four penstocks lead from the surge chamber, one for each unit, following the natural slope of the escarpment. Each is sized appropriately for requirements of the unit at which it terminates. Penstocks carry water from the surge chamber to the generating station, which generates electricity then flows back into the Kaministiquia River.[4]
The powerhouse contains its original Francis turbines, manufactured by
History
Plans for a hydro electric plant at Kakabeka began in 1896, when Chicago entrepreneur Edward Spencer Jenison wished to serve the electricity demands of the nearby towns of Fort William and Port Arthur. Hydroelectricity at this time was in its infancy, and delivery of the electricity to its destination would prove a challenge as alternating current was a relatively new development.[6] Shortly after gaining rights to develop the project, Jenison sold them to three Canadian businessmen, who formed the Kaministiquia Power Company.[7]
Construction
Construction of the facility began in September, 1905 and employed 600 men.
The plant originally consisted of two 7,000 HP Francis turbine units, manufactured by J. M. Voith in Heidenheim, Germany,[3][5] which produce 5.3 MW of electricity each. An expansion in 1911 saw the addition of a third 5 MW unit, at which point the powerhouse was expanded to its present size. In 1914, a fourth unit, generating 8.7 MW,[3] and the third aqueduct, were added.[5] In 1998, the three aqueducts were replaced with one large aqueduct with a 5 m (16 ft) internal diameter.[4][8]
See also
References
- ^ "Ontario Power Generation – Kakabeka Station". Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
- ^ a b Ontario Power Generation, Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years. (2006) pp. 1. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Ontario Power Generation, Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years. (2006) pp. 6. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
- ^ a b Ontario Power Generation, Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years. (2006) pp. 7. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
- ^ a b c d Ontario Power Generation, Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years. (2006) pp. 4. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
- ^ Ontario Power Generation, Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years. (2006) pp. 2. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
- ^ a b Ontario Power Generation, Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years. (2006) pp. 3. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
- ^ Ontario Power Generation, Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years. (2006) pp. 9. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
External links
- Official website
- Ontario Power Generation Kakabeka Falls Generating Station: 100 Years.
- Interactive panoramic image of the station.