Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

"Okay moving on, after we have the place, let's move on to the power plant itself. As it is located in the coal-rich regions, the power plant would be coal-fired and can produce up to 20 megawatts, and can power an entire city. For context, James Russell's Pearl Street Station in New York City had an initial capacity of about 700 kilowatts and served about 85 customers in a one-mile radius. But as the years go on, they are increasing their capacity to meet up the demands."

"Twenty megawatts, that's quite a lot, given the fact that the primary use of electricity was for street lighting, some industrial applications, and limited residential use only."

"We will have to take account of the future demands as well," Poul said. "And didn't I tell you before? We are not only going to produce electricity but make technology that uses electricity as well such as home appliances and the likes."

Amelia, who has been listening at the meeting the whole time couldn't help but feel left out. She can't comprehend what the two are talking about as the topic focuses primarily on electricity. Wanting to feel more involved, Amelia raised her hand.

"Uhm…Mr. Nielsen, how come your designed power plant can produce 28 times more than James Russell?"

"Ah, I see your point. The reason our power plant can produce 28 times more power than Russell's Pearl Street Station is primarily due to the use of steam turbines instead of reciprocating steam engines. Steam turbines are more efficient and can generate more power than reciprocating steam engines of the same size.

"Steam turbines work by directing high-pressure steam through a series of blades mounted on a shaft, causing the shaft to rotate at high speeds. This rotary motion is then converted into electricity by a generator.

"Using steam turbines allows us to generate a larger amount of electricity with fewer machines and in a more compact space compared to a plant that uses reciprocating steam engines. This technology enables our power plant to produce 20 megawatts, which is significantly more than Russel's Pearl Street Station."

"Is that so?" Amelia hummed, despite Poul explaining it to her simply, she couldn't still understand it. Science is beyond her. "I still don't understand it. How come that steam turbine produces more electricity than reciprocating engines? I'm sorry, Mr. Nielsen, as a secretary of your company, I want to at least understand the basic principles of the technology."

"Of course, Amelia. I'll be happy to provide a simpler explanation of how steam turbines produce more electricity than reciprocating steam engines," Mr. Nielsen replied patiently.

"Think of a reciprocating steam engine as a series of back-and-forth movements, like a piston.  The steam pushes the piston in one direction, and then it moves back as the steam pressure drops. This back-and-forth motion is then converted into rotary motion to drive a generator, which produces electricity. Now, the back-and-forth motion of reciprocating steam engines contribute to energy losses, making it less efficient, because of factors like friction and heat losses that occur during the piston's movement.

"Every time the piston changes direction, it has to overcome the inertia of the components and friction between moving parts, which results in some energy being lost as heat. This reduces the overall efficiency of the reciprocating engine in converting the steam's energy into mechanical energy and, ultimately, electricity.

"On the other hand, steam turbines have fewer moving parts, and their continuous rotary motion reduces energy losses due to friction and heat. Imagine a steam turbine as a spinning top. In this case, the steam flows continuously over a set of blades mounted on a rotating shaft. As the steam passes over the blades, it transfers its energy to the shaft, causing it to spin at high speeds. The spinning shaft is connected to a generator that produces electricity.

"So, in simple terms, steam turbines are like spinning tops that can efficiently convert the energy from steam into electricity, while reciprocating steam engines are like back-and-forth pistons that are less efficient at converting the steam's energy."

Amelia nodded, appreciating Mr. Nielsen's effort to simplify the concept for her. "Thank you, Mr. Nielsen. That helps me understand it a lot better."

"No problem, if you have a question, just ask," Poul said with a reassuring smile.

"Oh, I do, Mr. Nielsen, the steam turbine that you are talking about, is it already available?"

"No, we are going to be the ones who will make steam turbines," Poul said.

Jonathan nodded, chuckling. "I knew this would lead to this."

Steam turbines have not yet been invented in this world, so that means, they will be the ones to invent them.

"Assume that we have the power plant built, how do you plan on transmitting that electricity to the city?"

"Of course with power lines," Poul replied the obvious. "Of course, I'm kidding, in order to transmit electricity to our customers, we have to build a series of transmission lines and substations. More importantly, the transformers. Looks like we are going to need Caroline's expertise."

"Ah, I see where this is going," Jonathan hummed in realization. "You want her to build a coolant for the transformers right?"

"Exactly," Poul nodded. "Transformers are essential for efficient transmission of electricity over long distances, but they generate a considerable amount of heat. Caroline's expertise in chemical engineering will be invaluable. Though let's wonder if she can do it, after all, that substance is dangerous."

"Uhm…what substance are you talking about, Mr. Nielsen?" Amelia asked again.

"Polychlorinated biphenyl," Poul revealed.

"Polychlori…what?" Amelia repeated.

"Polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB for short," Poul repeated, noticing Amelia's confusion. "It's a toxic chemical but has excellent insulating and heat-resistant properties. However, they are toxic and environmentally persistent, which means they don't break down easily and can accumulate in the environment."

Amelia's eyes widened in concern. "That sounds dangerous. Are we sure we want to use something like that?"

Jonathan stepped in, "That's where Caroline's expertise comes into play. She will be working on developing a safer alternative to PCBs for use as a coolant in our transformers, and other systems. We want to ensure that our operations are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible."

Amelia nodded, feeling reassured by Jonathan's explanation. "I understand now. Thank you for clarifying that."

"Though I wonder what Caroline is going to make?" Poul hummed in thought. "Ester-based fluids or fluorinated fluids? He mumbled to himself.

"Are you saying something, Mr. Nielsen?" Amelia asked.

"No, Ms. Weiss, let's move on."

"Let's assume that we have built the power plants and the electrical equipment that comes with it. It'll attract the attention of other utility providers who use James Russell's system. As we all know, direct current can only serve a few people over a shorter distance. It is also expensive to maintain as it requires a lot of maintenance work. Those companies will come to us and implement our system in theirs. That's where we will sell them the electrical equipment. The generators, transformers, motors, turbines, lighting, switchgear, and transmission and distribution equipment. And I think that's it."

"I'll work on the necessary papers and permits for the construction of the power plant and the establishment of the Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing Company," Amelia said, jotting down notes as she spoke. I'll also start reaching out to potential clients and business partners. We need to establish strong connections in the industry to ensure a successful launch of our new venture."

"And I will help you Poul on building the power plant," Jonathan said. "You are going to need my expertise."

Poul smiled, satisfied with the plan they had outlined. "Excellent. Let's get to work, shall we?"