The Niagara system: The evolution of an electric power complex at Niagara falls, 1883-1896

This paper analyzes the evolution of the universal electric power system introduced at Niagara in 1895. The establishmemt of public parks at the site destroyed the former pattern of individual power consumption and made Niagra utilization a necessarily large, difficult and costly venture. The Cataract Construction Company and its engineering subsidiary, the Niagara Falls Power Company, organized - investigations to minimize the costs and problems of power development. Responding to the growth of the electrical market, the enterprise hoped to build a single electric central station that would supply electric power to consumers locally and in Buffalo, 22 miles away. Finding no satisfactory solution to the problems involved in this effort, the enterprise lacked a rudder until Swiss advances in hydro-electric technology demonstrated the feasibility of polyphase systems for the generation and long distance transmission of electric power. Niagara development quickly became a polyphase project involving an international relatioship between leading figures in polyphase technology. The turbines and alternators followed Swiss designs although the alternators were modified in a compromise between Cataract´s market desires and Westinghouse´s polyphase capabilities; the distribution system represented polyphase advances in America. The completed system delivered any current demanded by local or distant consumers.