The Cost of Steam Power. II

Abstract

Previous articles of the writer on this subject dealt with the problem as it practically presented itself at the several tines. The first article in 18831 referred particularly to results which had been obtainied in a nlumber of typical cotton mills by the use of the ordinary condensing engines in vogue at the time. A more recent article in 18932 discussed the question of the cost of steam power in 500 H. P. uiits or multiples of the same, developed in different kinds of engines, including the more modern triple compound engines. The first paper was based on actual conditions, the second on assumed conditions, the best experimental results being considered, but afterward modified by judgment so as to give a final result which would approximate the conditions of ordinary average working. In a later and more general article published in 18953 the method employed to increase experimental resuilts to an approximately practical basis was outlinied, but otherwise the inquiry was extended little or no further than before. § 2. In connection with the proposed supply of power in large units from Niagara F'alls and other undertakings of a similar character, the question naturally arises: What would be the cost of steamn power if also supplied in large units and generated with modern machinery of the most approved type? The quiestion wouild be a simnple one if it involved only the amlount of coal consumed at a definite price, and the labor required to handle 1. Trans.