Automatic Operator for Economy Control Applied to Hydroelectric Generator Stations

This paper deals with the great importance of economic division of load between various units in a hydroelectric plant and the proper combination of units for any given output allowing for the proper reserve required. It points out that in the past, the attempt to achieve ideal economy of operation has been handicapped by the human element. The duties of the average operating force are usually such that the constant maintaining of accurate loading schedules for best economy is a physical impossibility when the usual manual operation is employed. The solution for this problem has been found in the development of the ``automatic operator'' designed specially for each plant through the combination of the preparation of ideal schedules, of economy of operation adapted to the particular system requirements and the installation of special automatic control equipment which permits the rigid enforcement of these ideal schedules. The actual application of the automatic operator and the results obtained in the Norwood Plant of the Carolina Power & Light Company and the Morony Development of the Montana Power Company are fully described.