About
Kvernan is a farm in South-Eastern Norway that originated as a mill location before 1670. A power station was completed in 1918 and the first phone line in 1920. The current mill building was completed in 1928 and was in business until 2008. After 340 years we decided to take a break. The summer café “Sommerstua” was in operation for 20 years (1991- 2011).
The farm owns 700 acres of surrounding forest. We deliver to Viken Skog.
Hydro power
History and future
Kvernan has a long history producing electric power. It was one of the first farms in Numedal to get electric power in 1918. The farm is located by a river with the power station positioned next to the waterfall. This is about 200 m from a dam above the farm used for timber rafting in the past. The old generator produced about 20 kW power until the generator broke down in 1986. We are now looking into modernizing the power station with a potential to produce up to 80 kW.
Natural conditions
Net water head: 9 m
Gross water head: 12 m (3 m from turbine exit to water surface)
Distance from dam to waterfall: 200 m
Max water flow: 1,4 m/s
Theoretical max effect: 124 kW
Realistic max effect (65%): 80 kW
Yearly production estimate: 600 MWh
Current equipment from 1918
45 kW (60 hp) Francis turbine
Siemens 55 kW 230V DC generator (max production was 20 kW)
175 m water pipe, 70 cm diameter
New equipment in consideration
80- 110 KW Francis turbine or a combination of two smaller Francis turbines to avoid full shutdown during dry season
80- 100 KW 400V AC 50Hz generator
Automated control system
On and off grid option
175- 200 m PE/ GRP water pipe, 70- 90 cm diameter
References
NVE – Kvernandammen
Description of the dam by NVE (in Norwegian).
Kvennandammen, Lyngdal · Flesberg historielag (samlinger.no)
This photo from 1969 shows the dam when the power station was in operation.
Kvernandammen · Flesberg historielag (samlinger.no)
This photo from 1970 shows the canal that leads the water to the power station pipe.
Flesberg historielag
More historical photos from the farm by the local history association.
More green energy
We are also exploring other options for green energy: Solar and wind power
In 2023 we will start upgrading the electrical systems on the farm to prepare to produce our own power again. The first step will be to install solar panels on the barn roof.