Present Status of Prime Movers

The paper brings out in a concise form the present status of heat engines and hydraulic turbines in commercial use today for the conversion of the energy found in fuel and water into mechanical power for the production of electric energy. The various types are compared as to relative importance, capacity, efficiency, weight, cost and economy, which are illustrated by curves plotted on kilowatt basis. (a) Reciprocating Steam Engine. (b) Steam Turbine (c) Gas Engine (d) Oil Engine (e) Hydraulic Turbine (f) Finance and Economics Curves are plotted showing the investment and fuel costs of the different heat engine units, on the basis of percentage of normal full load rating of machines.