MANGAHAO POWER WORKS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2684, 17 January 1924, Page 2

MANGAHAO POWER WORKS

TR AXSFORMERS ARRIVE. The arrival of seven huge transformers for the Mangahao hydroelectricity works brings into sight the most important phase of that undertaking as well as the successful competition by Great Britain in what was hitherto practically an American monopoly. The S.S. Cornwall livings to New Zealand the highest voltage power transformers ewer seen in the southern hemisphere. These are the large 110,000 M.lt transformers ordered by (lie New Zealand Government for Mangahao. There are seven of the transformers each having a capacity of -1.000 k.v.n.. or capable of dealing with 5,300 horse power. Six will he used to step up the voltage at the Mangahao power station from 11,000 volts to 110,000 volts (the highest voltage in Australia or New Zealand) for transmission to the various stepping down stations on the system.

The transformers are the largest ever made in England. The price was nearly £IB,OOO. They are oil insulated and in turn the oil is kept cooled by forced water circulation. The number of gallons of oil required bv each transformer is 1,-100 and the total gallons supplied under the contract is 12,250. Each transformer without its accessories weighs over fifteen tons, hence special facilities have to he made for their landing, transport and equipping for service at Mangahao.