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Chippewa Valley is located in Wisconsin. The text of this 1913 document was provided by Charles Robinson.
The Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company own and operate the following generating stations:
CHIPPEWA RIVER:
Chippewa Falls
Dells Power Company
RED CEDAR RIVER:
Cedar Falls.
Menomonie
Spring Valley.
Ellsworth (not yet taken over by the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company)
The Plants of the Chippewa River are antiquated, but the plants on the Red Cedar are up-to-date generating stations and are kept in good repair.
No inspection has been made of the steam plants.
This hydro-electric plant is located on the Chippewa River at Chippewa Falls. The bed of the river at the location of this dam is a hard reddish granite rock, unevenly bedded, and very little eroded below the dam. The Dam is a timber crib structure, 750 feet long and having a head of 13 feet.
At the right bank is located the headrace leading to the old sawmill of the Chippewa Lumber & Boom Company. This race has a total Length, including forebay at the mill, of about 1,000 feet and narrows from 300 feet at the dam to 75 feet in its first 350 feet of length, and to 45 feet farther downstream.
The three wheels now in the mill, at the downstream end of this race, are all vertical, said to be 60-inch diameter. They are all harnessed to one 8-inch jackshaft, which in turn is belt connected to an A.C. generator. This present wheel installation is soon to be removed and a new twin turbine substituted if an entire new plant is not constructed. The operating head is now 27 feet.
On the right side of the river, and less than 200 feet from the headrace, is located the brick power station of the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company. Water is taken in by a short canal, and buried conduit from the main headrace to a timber flume. The operating head is 26 feet. The station is of some value, as it now stands, until the developments of the Chippewa River are completed.
This Plant takes water from the 24-foot dam at the Dells Paper and Pulp Company, on the Chippewa River, in the city of Eau Claire. This Dam is of timber crib construction, on rock foundation, now nearing the age condition where it must be completely rebuilt. Some new permanent concrete work has been done at the west end of the dam where a large steel tainter gate is some four feet above the present pond, indicating the intention of the owners to increase the head by about that amount. The dam is owned by the City of Eau Claire, but is kept in repair by the Dells Paper and Pulp Company at their own expense.
The equipment consists of the following: Two 48-inch S. Morgan-Smith water wheels direct connected to a 600 K.V.A. 60-cycle, 2300 volt, 150 RPM General Electric generator; two General Electric 600 KW/60 cycle, 3 phase, 23000/2300 volt transformers; General Electric multi-gap lightning arrestors and distribution panels for Dells Paper & Pulp Company.
PRESENT REPAIRS: The Repairs now in progress consist in improving the flume leading to the wheels of the Chippewa Valley R'y, Light & Power Co. and those of the city waterworks. It is the intention to overhaul the present tainter gate at the upstream end of the flume and to calk the flume itself, and make additional tie rods for another two years.
WATER RIGHTS: The water right owned by the Chippewa Valley R'y, Light & Power Co. was originally for 650 HP, rented at $100 per year, but by an increase in head on the dam, 710 HP is now available. The Chippewa Valley R'y, Light & Power Co. are not assessed for repairs on the dam.
This plant la located, on the Menomonie River, at Cedar Falls, Wis. The entire structure, including the dam and powerhouse, is about 500 feet long, half of which is occupied by the Ambureen spillway, and the other half by the powerhouse. The entire structure is of reinforced concrete. The present hood is from 45 to 52 feet.
The powerhouse and dam are well built, and at a moderate coat, as no money was wasted on useless details. When the Menomonie dam downstream is raised, or the "Omaha Bridge Dam" built, there will be better tailrace construction here.
Each unit consists of two pairs of Allis-Chalmers 55-1/2-inch horizontal turbines, direct connected to an A, C. generator General Electric, 2,000 K.W., 2300 volts, 627 amperes, 200 RPM, 60 cycle, and 0.8 P.F. These units are deigned for 45-feet of head. Allis-Chalmers #3 oil pumps furnish the pressure for the Type "O" governors.
Besides the two main units, there are two exciter units, one consisting of 16-inch horizontal Allis-Chalmers turbine in a steel penstock and direct-connected to a D.C. generator. General Electric, 100 KW, 125 volt, 300 amperes and 650 RPM. The other exciter unit is motor driven.
Other equipment consists of high-tension oil switches, lightning arrestors, and transformers, mentioned under Sub-stations. All machinery is well installed.
Building (8' x 40') has a book-tile roof with J-M asbestos covering, and in general is kept in first-class order.
The power equipment conflicts of two units, each unit consisting of two pairs of 39-lnch S. Morgan-Smith horizontal turbines, direct connected to an A. C. generator, 600 KVA, 3 phase, 2,300 volts, 151 amperes, 120 RPM, 60 cycle. Exciters are direct-connected to generators.
The current is stepped up from 2,300 volts to a line voltage of 33,000 by three outside transformers, and is then transmitted to Eau Claire, Wis., and Red Wing, Minn. Besides the station switchboard, panels are installed for operating the distribution line for the city of Menomonie.
The Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company own and operate the steam plant, which contains the following equipment, all enclosed in a brick powerhouse.
A 50 K.W. high-speed compound engine, direct connected to one D.C 220 volt generator, all running at 300 RPM. The engine is Ball & Wool, 9' x 16' x 12' and operated under 150 lbs pressure. The boilers are horizontal tubular.
The Ellsworth Steam Plant consists of a wooden building, which contains steam equipment as follows:
A 100 K.W. unit, composed of one 300 RPM horizontal engine driving through belts one 2300 volt, 3 phase, 60 cycle, 900 RPM generator. This property has not yet been taken over by Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company.
The Chippewa, Valley Railway, Light & Power Company own and operate the following transmission lines:
| (1) |
Eau Claire to Altoona, |
3.86 Miles |
| (2) |
Eau Claire to Chippewa Falls |
10.63 |
| (3) |
Menomonie to Cedar Falls, |
4.42 |
| (4) |
Menomonie to Eau Claire |
22.4 |
| (5) |
Menominee to Red Wing |
36.93 |
| (6) |
Elmwood to Spring Valley, |
7.00 |
| TOTAL, Lines owned by the Chippewa Valley R'y Light & Power Co., |
85.24 Miles |
|
| ||
| (7) |
Cedar Falls to Cadott, which is not owned by the Chippewa Valley R'y Light & Power Co., |
13.00 Miles |
| (8) |
Chippewa Falls to Bloomer, not owned by the Chippewa Valley R'y Light & Power Co., |
7.00 |
| TOTAL, Lines owned by other companies, |
20.00 Miles |
|
In general, the pole, lines are constructed of Michigan Cedar, 7 to 8-inch top poles, which are straight and have butts treated.
The right-of-way is along the highway on private property for the pole line, and the tower line is constructed on tower setting easements.
We understand that wherever an easement is taken the perpetual right to maintain and trim trees and patrol is required.
A brief description of the various lines follows:
Eau Claire to Altoona: - This line was built in 1911 and is 3.86 miles long. The voltage is 33,000. The poles are 40-feet, 7-inch top, Michigan Cedar, spaced 300 feet. Fir cross-arms, with pin insulators, carry #6 copper wire for the 33,000, and & 4,000 volt line with #3 copper. There is no telephone on this line.
The right-of-way is divided as follows:
| Eau Claire Highway, |
38 |
Rods |
| Altoona Highway, |
338 |
" |
| Land Under easement, |
968 |
" |
This line serves the distribution at Altoona, will supply power for the Omaha station, and will probably carry & feeder for the proposed, electric line from Eau Claire to Altoona.
The Eau Claire to Chippewa Valley line follows the right-of-way of the interurban line for a considerable distance. This line was originally constructed for 12,500 volts with #6 aluminum wire. In 1910 it was completely reconstructed without interrupting service. The line as it now exists is 10.63 miles long, carries #6 copper wire on 40-foot, 7-inch top Michigan Cedar poles, spaced 300 feet. The voltage is 33,000. Each 40-foot pole is grounded, and carries three pin type 45,000 volt Thomas insulators. Along the interurban line, 30-foot poles, together with the 40-foot, carry the brackets for the catenary suspension. This catenary suspension serves as a trolley and also as a feeder.
The line also carries a telephone line and a 0000 feeder.
The line runs north and east from the Dells Power Company station until it strikes the interurban line at Electric Park. From there on it follows the interurban line into Chippewa Falls.
The right-of-way is composed of the following:
| Highway, |
4224 |
feet |
| Easement, |
7167 |
" |
| Right-of-Way, |
42875 |
" |
| No rights, |
1751 |
" |
| TOTAL, |
56,017 |
feet, or 10.65 miles |
The line extends from the junction with the Menomonie Line to the Chippewa Valley powerhouse.
The Menomonie to Cedar Falls line is 4.42 miles line and consists of 40-foot, 7-inch top poles spaced 150 feet and carrying fir cross-arms with #2 copper wire, operating at a voltage of 33,000. Every pole is grounded with a #4 ground, wire. The insulators are 12-inch, 3-petticoat.
The line carries a telephone line of #12 iron wire, and was constructed, in 1910.
In constructing the line it was so built that at any future time it could be operated at 66,000 volts. The right-of-way consists of the following:
| Private, |
19,556 |
feet |
| Easement, |
3,285 |
" |
| No rights, |
512 |
" |
| TOTAL, |
25,555 |
feet, or 4.42 miles. |
We understand that this line is to be completely re-built with A. E. Pierce's bow-arrow-arm construction.
The right-of-way generally parallels the highway and consists of the following:
| Private, |
6251 |
Rods |
| Eau Claire Streets, |
160 |
" |
| Elk Mound, |
165 |
" |
| Easements, |
577 |
" |
| No Rights, |
15 |
" |
| TOTAL, |
7168 |
Rods, or 22.4 miles. |
Each tower is grounded with a #4 Iron wire, and carries in addition to the transmission line a #10 iron wire telephone line.
The line ends at the Wisconsin side of the main channel of the Mississippi River, where It connects with the river span of the Red Wing Gas & Electric Company, who transform it down and distribute it to the City of Red Wing, and transmit It to Lake City and Wabasha.
The right-of-way is composed of the following:
| Private, |
170 |
feet, |
| Tower easements, |
188124 |
" |
| No rights, |
6704 |
" |
| TOTAL, |
194998 |
feet, or 36.93 miles. |
The Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company own and operate the following sub-stations:
The sub-station at Red Wing, Minn., is owned and operated by the Red Wing Gas & Electric Company, which furnishes power to the Cities of Red Wing, Wabasha and Lake City.
A brief description of each sub-station and its equipment follows:
The Altoona sub-station consists of a brick building 16' x 16' x 16'6" with tar roof, containing one 25 K.W. 33,000/2300 volt transformer, with choke coils, air brake, switches, 2500 volt multi-gap arrester. The station la a remote control one with time clock, and contains distribution panels, arc panels and regulators.
In addition to this sub-station equipment, there are Installed four 50 K.W. and one 15 K.W. 2300/220 volt transformers, which are to transform for the Omaha Railroad shops.
The Elmwood station is on the Menomonie to Red Wing steel tower transmission line, and. takes care of the and local distribution in Elmwood,/Spring Valley. The Spring Valley line runs from Elmwood to Spring Valley, a distance of about 7 miles, In this outdoor type station is contained, one 100 K.W. 66,000/33,000/6,600 volt transformer, and two legs of an electrolytic lightning arrester, together with the necessary choke coils, fuses and switches for handling this apparatus.
The Chippewa Falls sub-station has not been examined, but it is understood that it connects the transmission line from Eau Claire and, Chippewa Falls lighting circuit with the power generated at Chippewa Falls hydro-electric plant.
The sub-station at Eau Claire is located on the north side of Madison Street, at the east end of the bridge over the Chippewa River. It is of concrete, well built, 50 feet square in plan. The gallery extends over the west half of the building and supports the switchboard, three voltage regulators, oil switches, station Transformers and other small equipment.
The following equipment is located on the main ground floor:
Three 600 K.W, Transformers, transforming the current from Menomonie from 55,000 to 2,500 Volts.
Three 55 K.W. Transformers, used for city lighting.
One 600 K.W., 3-phase Transformers, transforming the current from Chippewa Falls from 33,000 to 2,300 volts
One 100 K.W. "Booster"
Two Motor Generator Sets, one of 400 HP and the other of 450 HP capacity
One Rotary Converter (to be installed soon)
One Motor Generator Set, generating D,C. current for the electric railways. The motor is a 300 K.W. capacity, 60 cycle, operating at 2,300 volts. The D.C, generator is now of 300 K.W. capacity, capable of developing 400 K.W. This load will be increased. to 400 K.W. soon.
All of the operating at this sub-station 10 from the gallery.
The outside equipment consists of choke coils, switches and electrolytic cell lightning arresters, together with three single phase, 400 K.W. oil transformers. This latter apparatus is on the Tied Wing transmission line.
The sub-station is so arranged that the generators can pump directly into the Eau Claire, Cedar Falls or Red Wing line.
The sub-station Electric Park is an outdoor type and, comprises one 25 K.W. air cooled transformer set on poles, together with choke coils, disconnecting switches, etc.
In general, the sub-station equipment represents simple and affective practice in design and all necessary precautions are taken to take the lightning surges into the lightning arresters we understand that the Company has been very successful in taking care of lightning by this equipment.
The Cedar Falls sub-station equipment is contained in the Cedar Falls powerhouse and consists of 33,000 volt, switches, choke coils, lightning arresters, and transformers to connect the Cedar Falls power plant to the Chippewa Falls-Menomonie line.
In general, The Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company own and operate complete electrical distribution for the cities of Eau Claire, Altoona, Elk Mound, Cedar Fall Spring Valley, Menomonie and Chippewa Falls.
In addition to this the Company furnishes current for the cities of Elmwood, Redwing, Lake City, Wabasha, Bloomer and Cadott, all of which are operated by municipalities or separate companies.
The approximate total number of customers served is about 3,500.
The distribution in general consists of 50 to 60 foot Cedar Poles with 6 to 8 inch tops, set along the streets at the curb line and carrying miscellaneous wire, some bare and some water-proofed, to the various resident and business districts of the cities. The poles have been renewed from time to time and the water-proofed wire has lost some of its water-proof coating.
The schedules for the Inventory of the distribution lines as furnished by the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company are for the twelve months ending June 30, 1913.
On the whole, the distribution system is In fair operating shape. The service for the most part is up to standard, and the voltage is everywhere adequate for producing good lighting.
The primary voltage is generally 2300, with house transformers varying all the way from 1/2 to 50 K,W., and with meters running from 5 amperes up to 50 amperes.
In applying rates, which are noted elsewhere, store arcs are rated as 50 W. units.
The franchises for operating the distribution system in the various cities have, we understand, been turned over to the Wisconsin Railroad Commission and the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company are now operating this distribution under the indeterminate franchise act.
Besides the city of Eau Claire, it comprises the distribution in Altoona, Elk Mound and Cedar Falls.
No attempt has bean made to make recent inventory of the number of poles, cross-arms, brackets, insulators, wire, etc., but in general these items represent the ordinary type of city distribution as found throughout the country.
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENT SERVICE:
The above 1400 services include Eau Claire, 30 in Elk Mound, Cedar Falls, and 85, in Altoona
POWER SERVICES:
Included in the above 88 are four power customers in Elk Mound.
The Omaha Railroad are to use immediately 200 H.P. at Altoona, which is In addition to that previously mentioned.
CONNECTED LOAD:- The total commercial, store and resident lighting load is 30,083 - 50-watt units.
METERS:- These are single phase, two and three wire, 110 and 220 volts and number about 1300
ARCS:- The Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company at present furnish the municipal lighting system, which consists of 154 - 7½ ampere 480 watt, General Electric enclosed arcs, operating at 2,300 volts on three circuits of #6 copper wire. The company gets $56.40 per lamp per year for all night schedule, which begins one hour after sundown. The average consumption is from 3,800 to 44,000 hours.
We understand that the city has recently asked for bids on the city lighting as follows:
The competitor, which is the Eau Claire Gas Light Company, will probably bid for the city lighting, and we understand the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company have already submitted a bid on this proposition.
TRANSFORMERS:- The following transformers are connected:
K.W.
No.
1
5
1½
11
2½
2
3
24
5
34
6
1
7½
7
10
29
15
23
20
3
30
7
75
2
148
Six power transformers, varying from 30 to 75 K.W., are in operation and owned by individuals.
RATES:- For schedule of commercial and resident lighting rates, see under "RATES"
The general statements in reference to Eau Claire are applicable also to Chippewa Falls.
SERVICES:
Meter:
625
Power:
31
Making
654
CONNECTED LOAD:-
METERS:- 762 single phase, two and three wire, 220 and 110 volts. The Company does the city lighting at the following schedule:
TRANSFORMERS:- The following transformers are connected:
K.W.
No.
½
17
¾
8
1
37
1½
33
2
24
2½
20
3
14
3¾
6
4
12
5
24
7½
5
10
11
15
7
20
2
25
1
50
3
224
CONTRACTS:* See under "Contracts" with the City of Chippewa Falls.
RATES:- See under "Rates"
The Menomonie distribution, while not constructed like the distribution systems in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire, is not unlike these and the general remarks in reference to Eau Claire are also applicable to Menomonie.
As per the schedule furnished by the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company for the twelve months ending June 30, 1913, the following data is given:
SERVICES:
Light:
512
Power:
22
534
CONNECTED LOAD: Commercial and lighting, 10,947 - 50 watt equivalents; and 142 H.P. in motors
METERS:-
| 5 | Amp | 10 | 20 | 40 | 15 |
| 220 | " | 168 | 55 | 17 | 1 |
ARCS:- The Company does the municipal lighting, which consists of 60 arc lamps at $75.00 per lamp per year.
TRANSFORMERS:- The following transformers are connected:
K.W.
No.
½
4
1
22
1½
4
2
18
3
18
4
14
5
5
7½
15
15
2
102
CONTRACTS:- We understand the Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company have recently made a proposition to do the city lighting tinder new contract. (See contracts)
RATES:* See under ''Rates"
The Chippewa Valley Railway, Light &. Power Company own the A. C. distribution system in Spring Valley. There are about 140 customers. The Company also does the pumping for the city and operate the pumps which are owned by the city.
The Chippewa Valley Railway, Light & Power Company does not own the distribution system in Elmwood, but sells current to the distributing company.
We understand that the connected load for Spring Valley and Elmwood is about 150 K.W.
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