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The Gothenburg Control Center <br /> The Gothenburg Control Center went into operation in January, 1972 when remote supervisory <br /> control was established over the Diversion Dam, the Supply Canal's hydroplants and control structures <br /> and the headgates of the irrigation canals. All are now monitored on computers at the Control Center by <br /> a supervisory control operator. <br /> Prior to 1972, the Gothenburg office functioned as the maintenance headquarters for the Supply <br /> Canal. <br /> Control of Kingsley Hydro, NPPD's Keystone Dam and the headgates of NPPD's supply canal at <br /> the east end of Lake Ogallala were later added to the Control Center's responsibilities because of the <br /> need for close coordination between the three components of the system to ensure proper flows into the <br /> canal and down river. <br /> During irrigation season, the Holdrege and Bertrand irrigation offices remotely monitor and control <br /> their systems during regular office hours and turn control over to Gothenburg at all other times. <br /> Communication is the key to such an automated system. The District has its own microwave sys- <br /> tem, supplemented by buried cable and VHF radio links. All information gathered at the remote terminal <br /> units (RTUs)is fed into the Control Center's computers. <br /> There are 1,246 alarm, control or telemetering points on the system which monitor and/or control <br /> functions of canal structures, the three Supply Canal hydros and Kingsley Hydro. <br /> The Control Center computer is programmed to receive data from the RTUs, check for alarm <br /> conditions and alert the operator to any abnormal readings. The operator's control console includes a <br /> video screen that shows the current condition at any selected location on the system. Control functions <br /> are accomplished on a keyboard. The control room is manned around the clock every day of the year. <br /> The automation enables Central to: 1) increase the generation of hydropower; 2)better manage the <br /> system under high-water conditions, i.e., sudden and heavy rain storms; 3)reduce the incidence of spills; <br /> 4)reduce the need for maintenance on the canals as a result of better control of flows in the canals; and <br /> 5) reduce operating costs. <br />