Exciters

An exciter is a dynamo generator that functions like a battery inside a generator.

In this power station, the exciter units switched on and supplied power to the generators until they could produce their own energy as the turbines were activated. While in operation, a magnetic field was created inside the exciter by a spinning wire brush. The resulting electromagnetic induction made electricity flow through the wires.

Originally, the exciter units in the power station were going to be placed near the turbines. Although those exciters were powered by water, the damp atmosphere, poor lighting and general difficulty of making repairs to them in the pit led to the decision of placing the exciters on the main generating floor. The exciters were controlled by two control panels, including one on the main generating floor and another in the control room.

With the constant friction of the brushes spinning inside the exciters, there was much wear and tear as well as the possibility for sparks. Those sparks, when combined with fumes, could create short circuits, fires and explosions. There is at least one exciter explosion recorded in the power station’s history.