The Power Game—the Development of Conventional Power Stations 1948–1983

Abstract

The paper traces the development of conventional power stations and associated systems of the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) over a thirty-five year period. During that time turnover increased by a factor of over thirty, unit capacity by a factor of twenty, whilst the installed capacity increased almost fivefold. Early difficulties with large high-pressure units are described and the measures taken to overcome them, leading to current high levels of performance. To support these developments, the CEGB has built up a powerful engineering and scientific capability and has accumulated a wealth of experience in the solution of power station problems. Operation and maintenance techniques have been developed to a high degree. The paper also outlines the changes in the organization of electricity generation in the UK which have occurred in response to changing circumstances.