Coleman Sellers Biography 1827–1907 Page 10

POWER GENERATION — ENERGY PROJECTS

Radical changes in the plans were necessary when it became evident that the proper course lay in the abandonment of Mr. Evershed’s scheme of a system of distributing canals leading to factory sites where independent water-wheels would be installed, and to substitute in place thereof a central power station where the generation of 50,000 H. P. would be concentrated for electric transmission to consumers located on the neighbouring lands or at a distance.

The first three turbines were put in operation in 1895 with a sufficient demand for power in excess of their output to warrant the installation of five additional units, which were shortly followed by two more, making in all an equipment of 50,000 H. P. capacity.

A second power house, located on the opposite side of the entrance canal, is now under construction to accommodate eleven 5000 H. P. units of improved design, and this, when completed, will bring the total capacity of the plant on the American side of the falls to over 100,000 H. P.

CONCLUSION

Dr. Sellers’ foresight and judgment in advising the methods to be adopted at a time when the problems were without precedent, and the mechanical features invented by him in designing the large dynamos and their appurtenances, have largely contributed to the success of this initial installation, and certainly greatly
simplify the further extension of the plant now in contemplation. The work has thus far extended over a period of twelve years, and, so far as Dr. Sellers’ part in it is concerned, it may be justly considered as the crowning achievement of a life devoted to engineering practice.