Between 1906 and 1907, preparations were made to expand production, which necessitated more energy.
Norsk Hydro was by then able to construct their own power plant at the Svelgfossen waterfall, known as Svælgfos I. Excess available water flow allowed for the construction of a backup plant, Svælgfos II.
Svælgfos I was the second-largest hydroelectric power station in the world at the time, following Edward Dean Adams Power Plant at Niagara Falls.
In the plant's first few years, plant shutdowns were common due to burnt-out generators.
Consequently, electrical engineers with experience working on generators in Paris, Hamburg, and Mexico were consulted.
These individuals were some of the only ones in the world who had experience with power plants of comparative size.
It was determined that the problems experienced by the Svælgfos plants were due to insulation materials burning at high temperatures caused by a manufacturing error.
A lightning arrester was constructed to remediate this fault.
Svælgfos I and II, along with Lienfoss Power Plant, were later merged into a power plant that is still in service as of May 2020.
Between 1906 and 1907, preparations were made to expand production, which necessitated more energy. Norsk Hydro was by then able to construct their own power plant at the Svelgfossen waterfall, known as Svælgfos I. Excess available water flow allowed for the construction of a backup plant, Svælgfos II. Svælgfos I was the second-largest hydroelectric power station in the world at the time, following Edward Dean Adams Power Plant at Niagara Falls. In the plant's first few years, plant shutdowns were common due to burnt-out generators. Consequently, electrical engineers with experience working on generators in Paris, Hamburg, and Mexico were consulted. These individuals were some of the only ones in the world who had experience with power plants of comparative size. It was determined that the problems experienced by the Svælgfos plants were due to insulation materials burning at high temperatures caused by a manufacturing error. A lightning arrester was constructed to remediate this fault. Svælgfos I and II, along with Lienfoss Power Plant, were later merged into a power plant that is still in service as of May 2020.
Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site