Generators: Fast Facts

When the power station first opened in 1905, its generators were the most powerful in the world. Despite being the size of a standard 5,000-horsepower unit, generator 1 had a capacity of 10,000 horsepower. It came into service on July 27, 1905.

The power station’s first five generators were imported from Switzerland. At the time, import fees on Swiss goods were less than American goods. Generator 2 came into service on September 11, 1905.

Generator 3 came into service on September 27, 1905. The weight of its rotating parts is 141,000 pounds (63,956 kg)!

This generator is unique as it has the ability for self-excitation and does not rely on the exciter units. Like a dimmer switch, a field rheostat and self-excitation unit worked together to supply the energy needed by the generator to produce fluctuating electrical outputs.

Generator 11 is the most modern and efficient of all the generators. This generator is 12,000 horsepower and it was installed in 1924, bringing the total capacity of the plant up to 121,000 horsepower.

This generator was used as a spare if any other generator was down or out of rotation due to repairs.