Turbines on Display Locationless (Reverse) Cache
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A hydroelectric turbine derives power from moving water. As water passes through the turbine blades at a dam, the water exerts a pressure difference on the blades, causing them to turn. Generators, turned by the turbines, generate electricity.
Hydropower has been used for more than 2000 years and began when the Greeks began grinding wheat into flour using water wheels. In the late 1800s, hydropower was begining to be used as a source of electricity and by 1890 there were over 200 hydroelectric plants in the United States. In 1940, 40% of all electrical generation was hydroelectric. Currently about 10% of U.S. electricity comes from hydro-power, and is the main source of electricity for Canada. Hydroelectric power is a major source of electricity around the world.
The assignment for this cache is to locate a retired hydro turbine (not a steam or wind turbine) that has been set on display for public viewing (large ship propellors will not be accepted). They can usually be found at hydroelectric dams where the old turbines have been replaced by newer more efficient turbines. Various types of hydroelectric turbines include Kaplan, Francis, and Pelton.
To log a visit for this cache, include information about the turbine such as: Size, weight, horsepower, name of dam it was removed from, and year it was manufactured. The log must include GPS coordinates and a picture of the turbine with GPS. A photo of the dam where the turbine once operated would also be nice.
I have included a turbine on display at Rocky Reach dam on the Columbia river in Washington state as an example. Interesting facts about the turbine are:
Rating: 177,000 Horsepower
6 Adjustable Blades (Kaplan unit)
Operated in 92 feet of head.
Diameter: 23 feet
Weight: 172 tons (each blade weighs 11 tons).
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