Water Tanks at a 1904 Transformer Station

Interesting. They use water to control transformer fires these days. Not to extinguish, but to control. Just a possibility.

I don't believe it was used in the event of a short. If the ground became too dry, the capacity to conduct electricity through the earth is reduced. In reading about ground studies for a facility that uses the electricity, there were statements warning of taking readings too soon after a good rain. But the whole idea of using the earth as a conductor seems to be problematic to me.

In a recent study at our facility, it was reported that our electrical ground and the test points outdoors (stakes driven into the ground within 75 feet of the building) read zero ohms. I don't actually believe that number because I know how easy it is to be fooled by a meter if used incorrectly. But I know that it is certainly likely to be fairly low.

The transformer that feeds my house has one line tied to the primary (high voltage) side of the can, and a wire that runs down into the ground and is coiled up on the bottom of the utility pole. I'm sure there are some power losses but it works and it not only reduces the amount of wire needed, it also simplifies the circuit.

At a high enough voltage, only a small current will allow a substantial amount of power to be transmitted. However, from a power generating stand point, it is very desirable to have a balanced load. And in a perfect world, with a balanced load, there is no need for a neutral. But since that doesn't exist, it pays to use the ground to help keep things in balance. Without it, voltage regulation becomes difficult.

So, in conclusion, I would expect the water tank is there to keep the ground from becoming too dry in the vicinity of the transformers. Conductivity in the earth is a three dimensional problem that involves dissolved ions in damp earth. If it weren't for lightning storms, I would have a hard time believing the ground (earth) made a good conductor.

I'll be watching to see what other interpretations show up. Some of us Tesla fans would love to see what you find in your study.

You beat me to the punch.

I believe it may be a penstock surge tank.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge_tank

Thanks for the replys. I don't think its a surge tank. It is at Niagara Falls, but it is associated with the transformer station that sits about a 1/2 mile away from the generating station on a bluff probably 300 feet above the water level. There was a second very similar water tank at an unaffiliated site adjacent to the transformer station. The tank itself does not have a signficant pipe feeding it.

Although the site has been down since 1973, the power company seemed pretty sure it was used to reduce earth potential rise. I had also considered cooling water for the transformers or possibly fire suppression but it seems a bit big for that.

Really interesting. I find it fascinating that something so new as this exists, and we have no definite idea what it was built for.

From the replies I think the most likely seems like water storage for stabilising ground potential. However, do you have a diagram, or can you discover, where the pipework goes/went? That should tell you for sure.

I also wouldn't rule out multiple use. It may have been designed to hold enough water to maintain a relatively steady level of ground humidity but may /also/ have been used for all the other stuff.

Finally, although you've probably tried this, have a word with your local archivist. They love stuff like this and may well have records relating to the original construction.

I have been through the archives and had some research done through the power company but to no avail. There does not seem to be any connections to the tank inside the building either, no pipes or pumps. I have the original construction drawings, but no water diagrams. Also I don't know for certain it was built in1904. The earliest reference I have to it is a 1921 aerial photograph.

Nice work around

Is this one of the original Schoellkopf buildings?

Was it one of Blanchard's designs, or McKim, Meade and White?

Still digging but this is from NiagraFrontier.com, an extract from a historic document about the power station. Am chasing original reference.

..."Underground conduits from Power House to Upper Arch Bridge have a capacity of 75,000 horse-power, and from Power House to a Transformer Station situated south and outside of Queen Victoria Park, a capacity of 50,000 horsepower. A Transformer House, equipped with water-cooled transformers, has been constructed of a present capacity of 25,000 horse-power. It will be supplied with water for cooling purposes from pumps located in chambers of wheelpit. There is also a standpipe, 116 feet high by 30 feet in diameter, carrying one day's supply of water, to be drawn upon in case of any accident to this pumping system.".

Geography seems to fit - does the rest of the description?

Evan

It's close, very close actually, but this description is for the Rankin power generating station of the Canadian Niagara Power company, which sat just upriver from the Toronto Power Station. Although I assume all three operated very similarly. There were three generating station that ran on the Canadian side of the river at the falls from the turn of the century. The Ontario Power Company, the Canadian Niagara Company, and the Toronto Power Company. All three ran generating stations, all ornately designed, and all three had separate transformer stations located off the river some modest distance.

Fascinating. I just gave the thread a 5 star rating.

Please keep us posted as to your progress. And if you publish on the web, please keep us updated.