Fiberglass Pipe Replaces Wood Stave Penstock

摘要

Jackman Hydro Station, built in 1926, is one of nine hydroelectric plants owned by Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH). The facility is fed by the Franklin Pierce Reservoir, which was created by the hydro facility's dam and surrounding earthen dikes. The water elevation in the reservoir is managed according to spring run-off. Until recently, a large wooden penstock served as the main water supply for the hydro facility, which serves the Hillsborough, N.J., area. Prior to the recent improvements, 5,000 feet of wood stave penstock extended from the Franklin Pierce reservoir to a surge tank upstream of the powerhouse. This 7.5-foot diameter penstock was made up of vintage wood stave sections, circa 1926. The penstock was repaired in 1954 and in the 1970s, yet the downstream sections still leaked badly. This leakage caused icing problems during winter months and required constant maintenance. In 2003, the penstock had a significant rupture that impacted abutting properties. To prevent future failures and ensure reliable operations of the hydro facility, more repairs were necessary. In a series of contracts, PSNH decided to replace the remaining wood stave penstock with a new pipeline.