Mysore has a number of historic palaces, and is commonly known as the City of Palaces. Nevertheless, the term ‘Mysuru Palace’ specifically refers to one within the old fort. The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was concluded in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden.

Mysore Palace illuminations were done around 75 years back by putting 2 No’s of 1000 KVA Transformers and 2 No’s of 500 KVA Transformers. These Distribution Transformers are of specialised category and it’s of Delta-Delta type where as in; general Distribution company’s in India are making use, if the Distribution Transformer of type Delta-Star with neutral point. Earlier Voltage supply class was 4.6Kv/250v and at later stage it was upgraded to standard 11Kv/250v class.

Power supply to Mysore Palace is arranged from CESCOM, Karnataka Government Electricity Distribution Company at 11 Kv voltage class. For the convenience of tourists and security point of view there are 4 different 11kV feeders, which are connected to Mysore Palace Board Power station for arranging uninterrupted power supply.

Earlier the Ornamental Light fittings, Flood Light fittings and other electrical fittings in and around the palace were of incandescent bulb type. For the last five years they have been replaced by LED fittings for energy conservation as well to reduce the CO2 (Carbon-di-oxide) emission.

But main palace and all gates external illuminations circuits are connected with almost one lakh 15 watts screw type incandescent transparent bulbs. Earlier these bulbs were of 30 watts capacity and at later stage its capacity was cut down to 15 watts without affecting the illumination of the palace. At the time of illumination, the palace glitters in the Golden Form incandescent bulbs.

Palace Board Authority took a decision to replace the existing incandescent bulb by Eco-friendly LED bulb three years back. As a pilot project few circuits of incandescent bulbs in one temple area were replaced by LED bulbs, but its emission was like silver and not in golden yellow form. Hence, this proposal was dropped by the Technical Committee and suggested to adopt LED bulb in future if manufacturers do the R & D and supplies LED light with golden emission so as to maintain the same Golden illumination. In this regard, Palace Board has already consulted many famous Electrical bulbs manufacturer to do the R & D in this & if required golden emission is obtained from the manufacturer, existing incandescent bulbs will be replaced by LED bulbs in future.

The average energy consumed per annum is 6, 10,000 units (KW/hr), amounting to Rs.77 lakhs per annum. The palace is lit up for one hour (7 pm to 8 pm) during Sundays and Public holidays with Police Band Performance. On the other days there is colourful Sound & Light show between 7 pm to 7.45 pm. During these 15 minutes, the palace is illuminated with almost one lakh bulbs.

Source: Mysore Palace Board

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