The Petty Harbour Hydro Electric Generating Station is a hydroelectric generating station in Petty HarbourâÂÂMaddox Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. It was constructed in 1898 and it was the first hydroelectric generating station in Newfoundland. It was built by the St. John's Street Railway Company, a company established by Robert Reid. Operation commenced on 19 April 1900.
In 1920 Reid renamed the company the St. John's Light and Power Company. On 7 February 1921, an avalanche destroyed of the wooden penstock that carried water from the dam to the generating station, cutting off all electrical power to St. John's for almost five days. Then, in 1924, St. John's Street Railway Company was bought by Newfoundland Light and Power Company Ltd therefore changing ownership of the dam.
On 1 May 1978, the plant was entered in the Canadian Engineering Heritage Record as a model reflecting progressive adaptation to emerging technology, and as of 2012, it remains as one of the few plants of its type still in active service.
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Originally installed in 1900
Victor type (early Francis turbine): 1.4 MW, Manufactured by Stillwell, Bierce & Smith Vaille Co.
Replaced in 1908 with: Horizontal Francis, 1.57 MW, Manufactured by Voith
Originally installed in 1902
Inward-flow Girard type (impulse turbine):1.4 MW, Manufactured by Stillwell, Bierce & Smith Vaille Co.
Replaced in 1912 with:
Horizontal Francis: 1.57 MW, Manufactured by Voith
Installed 1926
Horizontal Francis: 2.05 MW, Manufactured by Armstrong Whitworth
Installed in 1900: 3-phase: 60 Hertz, 550 volts
Manufactured by Westinghouse
Replaced in 1926 with: 3-phase, 60 Hertz, 2,300 volts
Manufactured by General Electric
Installed in 1902: 3-phase, 60 Hertz, 550 volts
Manufactured by Westinghouse
Rewound in 1926 to 2,300 volts
Installed in 1926: 3-phase, 60 Hertz, 2,300 volts
Manufactured by General Electric
48.8 metres long by 7.3 metres wide by 4.9 metres high Masonry construction
Original:<br>1,057 metres long, 2.4-meter by 2.4-meter cross-section wooden flume<br>112.2 metres long, 2.4-meter by 2.4-meter cross-section rock tunnel<br>115.2 metres long, 2-meter-diameter steel penstock<br>Replacements:<br>1926: 975-metre-long, 2.3-meter-diameter wood stave penstock<br>1953: Steel penstock (surge tank riser) replaced with 2.3-metre-diameter steel pipe<br>1999: Lower 740.7 metres of penstock replaced with 2.3-metre-diameter steel pipe<br>2021: Remainder of penstock replaced with 2.3-metre-diameter steel pipe<br>Intake Structure:<br>Concrete with steel gate and lift (integral to forebay dam)<br>
In 1900, rockfill with timber facing. Replaced in 1926 with concrete gravity. Steel anchors added in 1992. 9.1-meter maximum height.
Zoned earthfill (rebuilt 1998âÂÂ1999) Concrete outlet conduit.
Earthfill with concrete overflow spillway and timber crib outlet.
Unlined canal excavated in rock 37 metres long.