History of power systems development in Japan

Abstract

There are similarities and differences between the study of history in general and that of the history of engineering in particular. Since the study of engineering seeks for the practical use, the productivity of the study will be essentially estimated, if it will meet with the need of human life and society, just like "Innovation," for instance, will be. This paper tries to find some keys for the successful innovation through the history of engineering. It suggests what can be called as "The Repeat Model." Taking the case of power systems engineering development in Japan, the author finds in the Model the repetition of such sub-stages as "introduction," "application," "innovation" and "turbulence" in each stage of history. Since power system planning is one of essential know-how in power systems engineering, it will be critically important to improve the know-how through the use of "The Repeat Model" for the welfare of society in the future under such condition as human needs, deregulation and social contradiction. The author also discusses that the study of history is important and effective to establish public literacy and ethics on engineering and to develop the engineering in the right direction for the welfare of society.