OPERATING FORCE 747 



in each part of the system by means of a system of pins and 

 markers on a large map or plan of the circuits and apparatus of 

 the plant. He receives at regular intervals readings of loads, 

 water conditions, etc., which he marks down on the record sheet 

 before him, and from these records and recording instruments in 

 his office he is able to keep close watch on the conditions and 

 make changes in load generation, voltage, frequency, gate open- 

 ings, etc., in order to obtain the most satisfactory and efficient 

 operation. 



The real value of a load dispatcher looms up under abnormal 

 or trouble conditions. When trouble affects the system it is 

 instantly apparent on the recording instruments. The system 

 operator immediately gets into communication with the station 

 affected and in case of transmission line trouble learns what 

 switches have opened and then, if possible, gives orders to cut 

 over to duplicate lines. The faulty line receives one or two 

 trials, either at full voltage or by bringing the voltage up slowly 

 on separate generators. If the short or trouble still shows up on 

 the line ammeters, the line is cut up into sections, according to 

 the judgment of the system operator, and tried until the faulty 

 section is located. Patrolmen and repair men, who are on con- 

 stant call, then receive directions for making the repairs. In the 

 case of trouble on the distribution system, as, for instance, where a 

 feeder will not stay in owing to a short on the line, it is imme- 

 diately reported and turned over to the line department, which 

 looks after the repairing of the line. In case of trouble with the 

 underground system, the system operator supervises the locating 

 and disconnecting of the faulty feeder and then notifies the under- 

 ground department, whose business it is to repair the trouble. 

 In case of trouble of a serious nature, the heads of the depart- 

 ments affected are notified and take active charge of the situation. 



The organization of the operating force of a hydro-electric 

 generating station is necessarily less complicated than in a steam 

 station. It is determined largely by the location and the arrange- 

 ment, and there are so many different conditions in such systems 

 that it is impossible to recommend any exact form of organization, 

 as really no two can be quite alike. If the station is not too large 

 it is desired to have the hydraulic superintendent report to the 

 station superintendent, but if the development is of such a mag- 

 nitude as to require the entire time of a superintendent for each 



