HEC Derwent Scheme - Lake Echo Penstock Surge Tank Tasmania, Australia
By Budgietas on 09-Jul-21. Waypoint GA22732
Cache Details
Difficulty: | |
Terrain: | |
Type: | Traditional |
Container: | Small |
Coordinates: | S42° 15.085' E146° 37.881' (WGS 84) |
55G 469589E 5322242N (UTM) | |
Elevation: | 821 m |
Local Government Area: | Central Highlands |
Description
HEC Derwent Scheme
Construction of the Derwent hydropower scheme began in 1934 and the last power station was commissioned in 1968.
There are two sections in the Derwent hydropower scheme – the upper and lower. This is because of the difference in how the water is stored in the sections. Visually the scheme resembles a Y shape.
The upper section of the scheme uses larger, deeper lakes for water storage than the lower section. The four main power stations in the upper section release water when it is needed to generate electricity. The upper section is formed from the Nive River system in the east and the Derwent River system in the west, making up the top of the Y.
The lower section is called run-of-river, which means water flows to power stations directly from a river, and cascades through a series of power stations. This means the same water is used to generate energy multiple times. There are six power stations in the lower section and they use water from the Derwent River multiple times. The lower section forms the ‘tail’ of the Y.
Lake Echo Penstock Surge Tank
The water on the way to Lake Echo Power Station flows through the penstocks. This Surge Tank is used to ensure that the change in slopes does not damage the penstocks
Hints
Haqre |
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Decode |
Logs
We had collected a few caches in the HEC Derwent Scheme series some time ago. As it was a pleasant, slightly overcast day we looked forward to visiting a few spots that hadn't seen us for many years as well as two that we had never been to.
We continued up the road until we reached this hide where we made a quick find. The surge tanks associated with this scheme are certainly impressive structures. A very good view of this part of the system.
Thanks for this cache in the series Budgietas. The container was well hidden out of sight of any casual passer by.
Planned this trip to complete your HEC Derwent River Series over 11 - 13th August
On the way up, I found those left in Tassie Trekker's Series around Lake Crescent and Interlaken, before stopping at and staying two nights at the Great Lake Hotel
Today, I achieve my goal and completed your series with a round trip (from the pub and return) of of 177km; covering many loved fishing areas
Nineteen of your caches were found using 6698 steps in covering 5.3km on foot
The weather - very cold early morning, unlike yesterday no rain today until the nineteenth cache was completed - otherwise sunny and fine!
This cache was Sainted at 1336 hours
Thanks for the cache
Cheers
OldSaint
We had an awesome day exploring the area, with the added bonus of snow. We appreciate the time and effort gone into highlighting these locations, some not visited before.
Many thanks Budgietas for bringing us here. We shared a joint *FTF* with whitewebbs.
I spent the first years of my childhood in Tarraleah, and can vividly remember visiting butlers gorge power station and being driving under the spillway.
I hope you enjoy the series as much as I have enjoyed placing it