New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-28

A series ~ tests made in Switzerland with
Eiew 70 obtaining new light on the possibilities
Of transmitting electric power for great dis
tauces, was described recently by Professor
Steeus ia The Engineering Record II IS the
almost universal practice to put electricity IN
the form of an alternating current before send
ing st over long line. whatever changes may
atterward 10 made. NJ Thury prominent
engineer in Geneva, has always advocated the
adoption Of the direct current. and IN his own
country there are several trausmisEon plants
which embody his IDEAS. None Of them employ
higher pressure than % 900 volts. The recent
experiments were designed 10 ascertain whether
that limit could be safely exceeded. Professor
steens reports that 10000 volts were used sue
cessfuly He also says that NJ ~arious press
ures the same insulators would invariably give
better satisfaction when direct current was
being transmitted than with an alternating cur
rent. In other words, no thinks that there is
less liability Of leakage and accident when a
direct current is employed for transmission aud
that the same amount OF energy can thus be
sent further.
Economical transmission depends largely upon
pressure The higher the voltage the better the
service obtained from Il conductor Of given
size and cost. IT. therefore, these observu-
tons entirely accurate. aud IL there are
no counterbalanclng considerations. something
would be gained hereafter by substituting the
direct current for the alternating current on
long lines. The highest voltage now employed
Systematically In the United States is $4,000.
In Mexico line has just gone into operation
on which the pressure is 10000 volts. Expert.
ments encourage the hope that 10000 volts may
ultimately be employed with safety. but moth
Ing Of the kind is contemplated In the uea-
future Hence the present iuncture is particu.
larry favorable TO the adoption of genuine i'm
provemcr,o In the facilities for long distance
transmission. If any can be discovered
Although Professor Steens's article will doubt
less be examined carefully, it is not likely to
carry conviction. When the great Niagara
power plant was designed, dozen years ago,
the advisability OF utilizing direct current was
thoroughly canyassed, but the idea was re-
Iected. repetition Of tho recent tests at
Geneva under other auspices is needed before
much confidence will be felt IN their value
The fact is that the plan of which Professor
Stems and VI. Thury are champions has already
developed Objectionable features. In order 10
secure high voltage with direct current It
has been found necessary to use two or more
dynamos In combination whereas one generator
is enough when an alternating current Is used.
Again when the power Is applied complicated
arrangements ARE needed ct the motors
Finally, there has been fear--based on expert.
ence in eectroplatlng and with stray trolley
currents-that a direct current might prove
more destructive to the line which carried ii
than an alternating current would. Professor
Steens discusses this phase of the subject, and
is satisfied that no trouble should result from
eectroysis. Even should he be correct I'm so
believing, there are other serious difficulties for
which he indicates no remedy.