Abstract
The author defines a large Diesel engine as one ranging from 2500 to 25,000 hp. He cites the successful performance of marine Diesels, and gives figures showing that the aggregate horsepower of such engines now being built or installed is over three times that of marine steam turbines. He points out territory far removed from coal mines and where a cheap supply of fuel oil makes the use of the Diesel engine especially desirable. Over half of the fuel oil consumed in generating electric power, he states, could be saved by burning it in Diesels rather than under boilers. Diesel generating stations cost about the same as modern steam plants, around $135 per kw. Diesels have characteristics which especially fit them for use as auxiliaries in steam and hydroelectric power plants. The paper concludes with a brief consideration of the use of large Diesel engines in industrial plants.
