The Central Electricity Board and the electrical industry generally, in England some years ago, recognized the value of research for the purpose of obtaining proved data and information in advance of undertakings of various kinds, thereby eliminating long chances and unproved assumptions by the engineer. The Central Electricity Board in 1933 invited the British Electrical and Allied Industries Research Association to submit proposals showing what profitable work it could undertake of immediate interest to the Board, after which the Board enabled the Association to pursue certain of its proposals on an adequate scale. This book contains the results of the Association's work on surge phenomena covering the period I933-4o.
It opens with a study of lightning, its nature, determination by means of continuously-recording klydonographs certain features of voltage surges on transmission lines, measurement with magnetic links, the point discharge recorder, and a description of an investigation of natural lightning phenomena made in Nigeria during two lightning seasons. Surge propagation is the next major topic and this is followed by surge voltage distribution in transofmers which states theories first and compares theories with results of observed practices. Subsequently the effects of surves on insulation are noted, and a study of protection against surges is made followed by recommendations for the protection of overhead transmission systems.
The work records the study of surge phenomena from every aspect including the development of special portable experimental apparatus. Its thoroughness, accuracy, and care make it a valuable contribution to the knowledge of the subject which will result in further development, greater efficiency and economy.
R. H. OPPERMANN.