Abstract
This paper discusses the general problem of the utilization of the heat ordinarily discharged to the condensing water in a central electric generating station. The impossibility of its complete utilization for the purpose of heating buildings and the difficulties in the way of even its partial utilization are pointed out, with particular reference to conditions existing in Detroit.
The development of the central heating system of The Detroit Edison Company is traced, showing how the use of exhaust steam for heating was abandoned in favor of live steam. The reasons why it is more commercially expedient under the existing local conditions to supply live steam to the heating system and to generate all electric current in the condensing stations are also fully brought out.
The latter part of the paper describes some interesting features of the central heating system in Detroit, such as the boiler plants, distributing system, underground pipe and tunnel construction, consumers’ installations and meters. Special mention is also made of distribution losses, condensation return lines, and the method of transmitting steam through feeders at high velocities and with large pressure drops.
The paper concludes with a discussion of the advantages of central heating service and of the obstacles to its wider use and points out the possibility of operating individual plants in combination with the central plant.
