Transcriber’s Notes:
Underscores “_” before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_
in the original text.
Equal signs “=” before and after a word or phrase indicate =bold=
in the original text.
Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals.
Illustrations have been moved so they do not break up paragraphs.
Typographical errors have been silently corrected.
The three advertisements at the beginning of the book have been
moved in front of the thirteen advertisements at the back of the
book.
CENTRAL-STATION
ELECTRIC LIGHTING
WITH
NOTES ON THE METHODS USED FOR THE
DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY.
BY
KILLINGWORTH HEDGES,
MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, AND OF THE
SOCIETY OF TELEGRAPH ENGINEERS AND ELECTRICIANS.
[Illustration]
LONDON:
E. & F. N. SPON, 125, STRAND.
NEW YORK: 12, CORTLANDT STREET.
[_All rights reserved._]
PREFACE.
The art of lighting by Electricity practically dates from ten years
ago, and it has during that period received the constant attention of
both Electrical Engineers and others, who have applied the greatest
scientific knowledge. The result of all this energy appears to be
discouraging. Five hundred thousand pounds have been subscribed to
carry on the business, and it is doubtful whether the companies which
survive have a market value of one-tenth of that sum. The experience
may have been bought too dearly, but the era of Central-Station
Electric Lighting, which has now commenced, ought to re-establish the
position of Electricity in financial circles, and afford a safe and
profitable outlet for the surplus capital of the investor who buys gas
and water shares to pay four per cent.
The distribution of electricity from a central-station, which was the
subject of Sir William Siemen’s Presidential Address at the Society of
Arts in 1882, is not only accomplished from the scientific point of
view, but is also a commercial success: the power of flowing water, or
the potential energy stored up in coal, wood, or other fuel, can be
utilised for lighting our streets and houses at night, and during the
day may be transmitted by means of electricity in the easiest possible
way, and supplant the gas-engine for driving small machinery.
A paper entitled “Central-Station Electric Lighting” was contributed by
the Author to the Institution of Civil Engineers, and was published in
Part II. of the Minutes, 1886-87; the subject-matter has been extended
and brought up to date, with the object of giving a description of the
systems which are practically employed in Central-Station Lighting at
home and on the Continent. Details respecting the generating plant at
these stations are omitted on purpose; technical terms would also be
avoided if possible; failing this, it is hoped that the accompanying
Glossary will explain what is unfamiliar.
The amendment of the Electric Lighting Act of 1882 has given a fresh
stimulus to the industry, and many new enterprises for distributing
electricity from Central-Stations are being prepared, and it is to
be hoped that the public will profit by former experience, and will
discriminate between the good and the bad schemes which will be offered
to them.
The organizing facilities possessed by Gas Companies make it desirable
that they should follow the example of the American Companies, and
take up the business of supplying electricity. The existing powers of
private companies might have to be altered, but those municipal
authorities who own the gasworks could certainly distribute electricity
from a central-station, which might be installed at the present works.
Local authorities have certain advantages over private companies
owing to the purchasing clause of the Electric Lighting Act, also the
power to borrow money under this and the Local Loans Act of 1875;
should there be no department to carry out the business of supplying
electricity, the generating plant could be maintained and worked by a
contractor for a fixed annual sum.
The remarks of Lord Herschell that the “electric light is more used in
the South Sea Islands than in this country” ought to be taken as not
so much referring to want of enterprise on the part of capitalists and
engineers, but to the Electrical Facilities Act of 1882, which has been
appropriately termed a very “boa-constrictor.”
KILLINGWORTH HEDGES.
25, QUEEN ANNE’S GATE,
WESTMINSTER, S.W.
_September, 1888._