Home Visit to Iceland Smyrlabjargarárvirkjun

The hydro-electric power plant Smyrlabjargarárvirkjun

https://www.orkusalan.is/media/um-okkur/large/smyrlarbjargaarvirkjun.jpg - The power  plant Smyrlabjargarárvirkjun. The hydro-electric power plant Smyrlabjargarárvirkjun which is often called Smyrla is located just about 50 km west of our town.  The Smyrlabjargar river runs through Suðursveit. It  gets a part of its water from the glacier „Skálafellssjökull“  the water from the glacier has been changing slowly past years.

The year 1967 the earlier plans were rethought and the new plans finished, later on a prospectus was made, which was fully finished in May, 1968. Constructions for the plant were made out in the year 1968 and the construction work at the https://www.orkusalan.is/media/um-okkur/smyrlarbjarga1.jpg - The power  plant Smyrlabjargarárvirkjun.plant started the same year in August, it was thought that the plant could be activated at last on the September 30th 1969, however that didn‘t work out as planned because of failures. The plant was officially started October 3rd 1969.

The plants water engine is a type called Francis, a horizontal axis and can produce up to 1600 hp and with the rpm of 1000/min.  It is designed for little water with high pressure. Two other types exist.

https://www.orkusalan.is/media/um-okkur/smyrlarbjarg3.jpg - The power  plant Smyrlabjargarárvirkjun.The power the plant produce was at first 1000 kW but with a few changes it could produce 1200 kW. After it was changed further it could produce 1.3 MW. A fun fact is that back in the days the plant produced enough for just about the whole county, however today it would barely produce enough only for the towns swimming pool. It would also barely be enough to heat up the towns football field.

The plants generator was made by Skoda with power up to 1250 kW. The electricity that Smyrla produces is sent all around Iceland, it’s not exactly meant for something particular. It is obvious the plant was a huge influence on our town in it’s time.

Written by Egill and Júlían

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