A ROBOT STATION

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 52, 14 January 1953, Page 11

A ROBOT STATION

TAUPO'S HYDRO - ELECTRICITY HEADWORKS T&upo's hydro electric power station on the Hinemaiai River is unique in New Zealand on account of its isolation. When the power was switched on for the fisrt time on December 23rd. there was. no person nearer than Hatepe, ten miles away, and none with any knowledge of the generating equipment was within 18 miles of the station. Various antomatic deviees h.ave been installed to proteet the stations power units, including a governor to ensure umform speed of the turfoine no matter whafc the load. This is an fXtfcremely compilicafted but reliable device. . There is also an electrical pressure regulator to ensure correct voltage under varying load. Should either of these deviees fail there 5s provision for the aiitomatic siratting off of water from the turbine and the opening of the switch to the transmission line. j The instaUation of such aiitomatic deviees follows recognised practice, and has been followed by the engineer in order to render unnecessary the stationing of several men to take shifts at the station. At present the plant is visited iwiee a week. Prior to the switchmg on of the power the plant was tested thoroughly, a rheostat placed in the tail-raee being ixsed to put varying loads on the generator. A severe test was rmposed on the plant by the use of the power on the night of December 23rd.. for the baking of bread at Mr A. M. SmitlTs bakery, when the plant reacted perfectly to the switching on and off of the heavy load represented by the electric ovens.