Dynamos, Alternators and Transformers Étude Pratique sur les Différents Systèmes d'Éclairage

Abstract

MR. KAPP'S book has passed through a somewhat curious development. Originally written in English, it first appeared in German as a translation; subsequently Mr. Kapp revised, and to a large extent re-wrote, the German translation, the revised book appearing as the third German edition in 1899. It is this work which has now been translated by Mr. Simmons. The general merits of the book are probably known to most electrical engineers; those who are only familiar with the earlier English edition will find much that is new and valuable in the one now before us. After some opening chapters on the electric and magnetic theory underlying the design of dynamos, the winding of armatures is considered in detail in a couple of chapters well illustrated by diagrams. The next chapter deals with field magnets, after which armature reaction, commutation and sparkiess collection are considered at some length. Some typical examples of direct-current machines are described, but at no great length, as this ground has already been covered by Mr. Kapp in his “Dynamo Construction: Electrical and Mechanical.” The remainder of the book deals in a similar manner with alternators, synchronous and asynchronous motors, and rotary converters. Graphical methods are employed in this part to a considerable extent; the mathematical treatment throughout the book is clear and concise, a certain familiarity with the differential and integral calculus being assumed in the reader. As a whole the work forms a most valuable text-book for the student of this branch of electrical engineering.

Dynamos, Alternators and Transformers.

By Gisbert Kapp. Translated from the third German edition by H. H. Simmons, A.M.I.E.E. Pp. v + 503. (London: Biggs and Co.) Price 10s. 6d.

Étude Pratique sur les Différents Systèmes d'Éclairage.

By J. Defays H. Pittet. Pp.168. (Paris: Gauthier-Villars, n.d.) Price fr. 3.