How does the WA Water Power Plant in Spokane work?

The WA Water Power Plant, also known as the Monroe Street Hydroelectric Power Plant, is located in Spokane, Washington. The plant is a run-of-the-river hydropower plant, which means it generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water without disrupting the natural flow of the river. The Monroe Street Dam, which was built in 1890 to power the city's streetlights, creates a small pool of water that feeds into the plant.

The Turbines and Generators

The heart of the power plant is the turbines and generators. The plant has three turbines, each connected to a generator that produces electricity. The water flows through the turbines, causing them to spin. The spinning turbines turn the generators, which create electricity. The turbines are large, and each one has a maximum capacity of 6,000 kilowatts.

The Control Room

The plant is monitored and controlled from a central control room. The operators keep an eye on the turbines, generators, and other equipment to ensure everything is running smoothly. They can adjust the flow of water to the turbines to control the amount of electricity the plant is generating. The control room also houses monitoring equipment that tracks the electrical output of the plant and other important data.

The Intake Gates

The intake gates are the point where the water enters the plant. The gates are located just upstream of the turbines and can be opened or closed to control the amount of water flowing into the plant. The gates are operated by hydraulic cylinders that are controlled from the control room. The gates are also equipped with screens to prevent debris from entering the plant and damaging the turbines.

The Transformer and Substation

The electricity generated by the plant is sent to a transformer, which increases the voltage of the electricity. The transformer is located on the plant site and is connected to a substation, which is located nearby. The substation further increases the voltage of the electricity and sends it to the power grid. From there, it is distributed to homes and businesses in the Spokane area.

The Benefits of Hydropower

Hydropower is a clean and renewable source of energy that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a reliable source of energy, as water flows can be predicted and controlled. The WA Water Power Plant generates enough electricity to power approximately 2,000 homes each year. The plant is an important part of Spokane's energy infrastructure and has been providing renewable energy to the community for over a century.

Conclusion

The WA Water Power Plant in Spokane is a run-of-the-river hydropower plant that generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water. The plant has three turbines and generators, which are controlled from a central control room. The generated electricity is sent to a transformer and substation before being distributed to homes and businesses in the Spokane area. Hydropower is a clean, reliable, and renewable source of energy that plays an important role in the energy infrastructure of Spokane.