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  • Visiting Itaipu, one of Brazil largest hydro power stations. Around 20 generators, 700MW each. width:720;;height:540
  • After the rain, too much water is not used, and is poured away (see later the water balance) width:720;;height:540
  • The dam and the turbine piping (white) seen from afar. width:720;;height:540
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  • Cross cut of the dam: Top level is 225m above sea level. Former bottom of the river is 40m above sea level. Drain line is 20m above sea level. Structure is cathedral style. width:720;;height:540
  • At the entry level, the 10m diameter pipes that take water to the turbines. width:720;;height:540
  • Entering the cathedral width:540;;height:720
  • Looking down to the 40m level. width:540;;height:720
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  • Looking up width:540;;height:720
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  • Looking up, backwards from the entrance. width:540;;height:720
  • Control room width:720;;height:540
  • Each turbine running at about 620MW (equivalent to Angra 1 NPP). Blue means a standby turbine. Generation is both 50 and 60Hz as this is Brazil-Paraguay border. width:540;;height:720
  • Where is the water going? VERT is the the unused water: 2117 cu m/s. Total in generation,around 12000 cu m/s. Coming from the Iguacu river downstream, 2807 cu m/s (see the Falls pictures) width:540;;height:720
  • Turbine shaft. Below it, the Francis turbine, each rotor around 300t. Above it, the electrical generators. This is Unit 9. width:720;;height:405
  • In the generator hall. The red circles on the ground are the openings for access to the generators. width:720;;height:540
  • Huge fish thrive on the highly aerated water that leaves the turbines. Currently is Piracema time, no fishing allowed- the reproductive period. width:720;;height:540
  • Riding on top of the dam. width:540;;height:720
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  • Itaipu by sunset. width:720;;height:540
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  • During 10minutes every night there is a special ilumination for the guests. At the center, to the right of my head, the control building, around 7 floors... width:720;;height:540
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