The Flow of Energy

A new graphical method of representing the flow of energy is described and pictures are drawn showing the functions of generators, motors, transformers, transmission lines and other parts of an electric distributing system in terms of the flow of energy through them. The method is based on using two ribbons; one to represent the flow of energy proper, and the other (not used for direct currents) representing the magnetizing power. It is shown that various phenomena of alternating-current transmission are determined by the widths and directions of the two ribbons. The principal elements of the picture (generators, synchronous motors, induction motors, etc.) are taken up one by one and in simple combinations, each case being illustrated by typical figures.