Civil Engineering Features of Power Stations

The selection of sites and the design and construction of large, modern, central electric generating stations present problems in which many interests are involved, particularly when these stations are situated in industrial or metropolitan areas. That the station must be highly reliable throughout and have high availability is axiomatic. The importance of the many civil engineering problems that must be solved to provide a station of low construction and operating costs is recognized. The solutions to these problems are a means to an end rather than the end results themselves. Also, these solutions must be found within the limitations imposed by both electrical and mechanical equipment and requirements. The purpose herein is to examine these features and some of the design practices of the Detroit Edison Company as encountered in coal-burning plants.