Wasserkraftwerk Kahlenberg

From the outside, the listed power plant made of Ruhr sandstone is reminiscent of a moated castle. However, the plant erected by the RWW Rheinisch-Westfälische Wasserwerksgesellschaft in 1924/1925 today is equipped with state-of-the-art technology although it still does the same job, viz., supplying the water works Dohne and Styrum with energy.
In 1988/89, the power plant was renovated throughout. The building houses a Francis double chamber turbine and two Kaplan turbines. The machinery’s maximum capacity is 105m³ of water per second. For higher discharge rates of the River Ruhr, the reservoir’s water level is kept constant by the Kahlenberg weir. Weir and power plant are fully automated and tele-monitored by a control centre at the Styrum water works.
Another interesting feature is the fish pass in an old turbine chamber that allows the local people to overcome the gradient of about five metres.

Author: Route Indurstriekultur/ Editorial baukunst-nrw
Last changed on 19.08.2008

Categories:
Engineering » Water Management