Water was the key resource that allowed Albert Johnson to build Scotty's Castle. Several springs produce water in the canyon above the house. Johnson not only used the water to meet irrigation and household needs, he also fed it to several Pelton water wheels which he used to power systems in the house.
Here's what remains of another novel system he built - it's a solar powered water heater, dating (probably) from the 1920s.
Tunnels run beneath the house. These tunnels provided ready access to plumbing and wiring. They also look into a never completed swimming pool through stout glass windows. Tiles meant to finish the pool's concrete walls are still stored in the tunnels.
One of the Pelton water wheels is still operational. I had the fun of turning the valves that control it's water inlet. This particular wheel powers a 7KW DC generator. When electrical needs exceeded 7KW, the diesel generator on the right was added. I'll betcha that it made alot of noise!
Power from the generator was routed to two banks of fifty batteries each. These batteries are connected serially and in parallel to produce (I think) 120 volts DC. Electric systems in the house ran on DC, no AC. Surprising to me, the batteries are not lead acid.
1 comment:
Makes me wonder if the batteries were Nickle Iron and could be refurbished? Could be Iron Edison Style batteries.
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