Future Power Development in the Middle West

Abstract

Abstract In this paper the author outlines a system in which it is proposed that the fairly efficient steam power plants in the 100-odd cities of over 25,000 population in the 14 middle-western states be interconnected, not by heavy high-voltage lines, but by lines running from each which will pick up the small-town and village load to the point where its next larger neighbor will take its share; hydroelectric plants are to be installed on the streams near the towns and villages, each with a small pondage; the steam stations are to carry the steady continuous load above the maximum stream flow, the hydroelectric plants automatically coming on to carry the peaks. On the off-peak period the hydroelectric plants will restore the pondage and carry local load. The quickness with which the latter can get on the line (12 to 30 seconds) will enable the steam stations always to work at maximum efficiency. The advantages of the system are pointed out in the paper, as well as the procedure necessary to bring about its development.