Hydro-Electric Developments on the Pacific Coast

This paper deals with the general characteristics of power systems in the Pacific Coast States. A short review of the historical development is given, including the increase in size of generators and the parallel development of impulse wheels an d turbines, together with the evolution of transmission lines and line potentials. Consideration is given the elements of design and the limitations of irppulse wheels and turbines, the tendency toward larger unitl3 and the reasons therefor, and the present stage of development of other parts of the power system. The paper al so refers generally to the variation in demand of various power systems, the annual increase in demand, the relation of steam plants to water-power plants, and the special relation of hydro-electric plants to irrigation.