On thursday, the first of two Archimedean turbines was put into place at the Totnes hydro scheme. It was planned to locate both of the turbines into their channels but delays to their arrival only allowed enough time and daylight to install one of them, with the other re-sheduled for the next day.
A 300 tonne capacity crane stood waiting, ready to unload the turbines and swing them into position.
When the turbine eventually arrived there was a short pause to attach the linkage that will transfer the drive to the generator’s gearbox and to adjust the crane’s lifting strops.
With this done the turbine was lifted again and swung into position above its channel.
The other screw was due to be installed today (fri 13th!). We hope all went well.
The coffer dam should be gone within about two weeks and the plant is due to be working before the end of next month.
The fish counter will also be installed and should be working before the start of the 2016 season. The counter is long awaited and will be invaluable in the management of the river.