Efficient operation of hydroelectric systems

THE PROBLEM of efficient operation of hydroelectric systems is one which must be familiar to all engineers engaged in the operation of such power systems, but it does not appear to be given very much attention in the technical press or other publications. One sees frequent mention of the high efficiency of steam-electric stations, generally given to the second or third decimal place, and the loading schedules for such stations usually are based on a detailed analysis of incremental costs. Descriptions of hydroelectric plants, however, are generally limited to the size of the units and spectacular details of the construction.