The North Star Powerhouse, built by A.D. Foote in 1895, was the first complete water powered compressed air transmission plant of its kind. Compressed air, generated by Pelton Water Wheels, furnished power for the entire mine operation. The 30 foot Pelton Wheel was the largest in the world, and was in continuous use for over 30 years.

Companion Plaque Mounted on Side of Marker Base:
International Mechanical
Engineering Heritage Collection
Pelton Waterwheel Collection
North Star Power House MuseumThe Pelton Wheel uses the momentum of a water jet impinging on buckets attached to the periphery of a wheel to produce power. It is a development of the primitives, so called "Hurdy Gurdy" wheel used in the California Gold Fields in the nineteenth century. Various inventors have contributed to this type of water turbine, including Lester A. Pelton (1831-1908), who in 1880 patented the characteristic split bucket form. Subsequent important contributions to Pelton-Wheel technology were made by W. A. Doble. This collection illustrates the origins and development of the Pelton Waterwheel.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers - - 1991

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