THE TEAMS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160795, 1 November 1920, Page 9

THE TEAMS.

' Ter fie Editor. Sir, Tour editorial in Friday’s issue re the supply of power for the -teamways is opportune, and it is to be hoped that Councillors will consider again whether or not a gas plant in Wanganui is a good standby to-a steam plant scattered all over the globe, to say nothing aHout a few hydro-electric plants up the Wangaehu, . In considering the question of gas-power, it should be kept in mind that experience has proved the following,:— > (1) For an electric supply from a central station no main unit can be expected to operate singly. This applies more particularly to gas Engines, on account of the greater number and complexity of parts, and also the higher temperatures. (2) Gas production is just as reliable as,, if not mbre so, than steam production, and it is impossible, in both cases to maintain a continuous supply without duplicate plant. , (3) Gas engine stations require only half 'the quantity of fuel used by steam engine or turbine stations; up to 1000 k’.w. output. Over that the steam station improves slowly, but never reaches the fuel economy of" a gas station, until the output becomes very large, approximately 50,000 k.w. ' I The use of gas or steam is determined by (1) the cost of fuel, (2) the capital cost of each'type of station, (3) the prospective size ofthe station, and (4) its suitability as a standby for a small hydro-electric station. All .other questions are details not affecting the choice of either, lam afraid that item (1) (the of fuel) has hot received the. consideration due an our problem, and here I will slate that the only reason a .gas station is considered is for its fuel economy. . Oh every other point the steam station wins. The steam station for, requirements below 5000 k.w. has been used in the last ten years because coal was cheap—as low as 12s 6d per ton. Taking that as the lowest limit, the saving in fuel between a gas and steam station of 1000 k.w. output- would amount to only .21 pence per unit, and this saving in such a case would readily be lost in the higher capital and maintenance charges of a gas' station.. The price Of coal to-day can be taken at five times the above figure, resulting in a saving of one penny per unit. Last year pur gas station generated approximately 1,000,000 uhits at a cost on the above figures of >64166 less than a steam station. Chir gas station, therefore, efficiently maintained and operated, is going to save us money, and it is to be hoped that the Council will decide to treat our -present' plant as a valuable asset, and entertain no proposals in which its use is pot included.—l am, etc. H. N. MAUNDER.