Power station innards a mystery no more

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 667, 17 December 1996, Page 25 (Supplement)

Power station innards a mystery no more

You can find about the wonders of hydro electricity at the Tokaanu Visitor Centre next to Tokaanu power station, near Turangi. Admission to the centre is free, and is open from 1 Oam to 4pm Monday to Saturday. Visitors are able to tour the power station as well as view the displays at the centre. Friendly guides explain how things work and answer any questions. A visit to this interesting place usually starts with a video presentation which shows how the complex Tongariro Power Scheme works. This scheme is a very important part of the electricity generation system controlled by ECNZ. The highlight for many people is the tour of Tokaanu power station. It isn't until you are actually inside the station that you really begin to realise the amazing feat of engineering and science that is hydro electricity. The centre has many interesting displays. You can see for yourself a piece of the new Cook Strait cable. It makes an interesting comparison to some of the fibre optic cable also on display. There is a model of the Tokaanu power station, plus photographs of its construction. Y ou can highlight a particular part of the Tongariro Power Scheme on a large display map. The Department of Conservation also has some material on display at the centre. On the tour of the station, you can see all sorts of fascinating things. You can have a look at one of the spinning turbines. These are capable of producing 69,000 horsepower and turn 375 times a minute. You can also have a look at the cable gallery for

cables, miles of them, which transmit electricity at 1 1 ,000 volts to the switchyard next to the station. Look out for one of the gigantic spanners on the walls on the turbine floor. Bill Brewer (who has many years' experience with hydro electricity) and Frances Meredith are the guide, at the centre. "The purpose of the centre is to let people know about what is involved in generating power for New Zealand," says Bill. "There' s alot involved. Its abigjob." In the five years since it opened over 76,000 people have proved the centre to be a popular place to visit, whereas in the past public access was not available. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the centre and the willingness of ECNZ to make such facilities available free of charge. This is quite a different approach from some countries, said Bill. "Once we had an engineer from overseas visit. He'd been trying for 15 years to visit a power station in his own country but he could never get permission." Bill' s career in electricity began in 1 96 1 at Palmerston North District Office, then onto Mangahao, Ohakuri and Tokaanu power stations. Frances has been with ECNZ since September 1993. Her background in office administration and people skills has enabled her to relate as a good 'Kiwi Host' (with a Scottish accent) though she admits she had a steep learning curve when it came to the technical knowledge. A visit lo the centre makes for both an entertaining and informative time. A great attraction!