AC Power: Changing the World

1. AC Power: Changing the World 2008-2009 IAH Moments of Change Projects from STS151, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY IN AMERICAN HISTORY Utilization War of Currents Alternating Current – Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse utilized transformers to change the voltage in their system of electricity which allowed power to travel further through copper wires. Factories were able to reduce their electric machine size and provide power to cities much farther away. Westinghouse was hired by the Niagara Falls Power Company to produce an AC system to harness the Fall’s energy. Direct Current – Thomas Edison utilized an electrical grid system to amplify voltage due to its dissipation over long distances. A small power plant was required every so often to supply homes and businesses with electricity. He argued that AC electricity was dangerous, using the fake slaughter of animals with it to reinforce his point. http://sts.psu.edu/hti/moc/ac • Consumers - Electric lighting was the most commonly used form of AC electricity. The first appliances were plugged into a light socket. Eventually the electric plug was invented, which revolutionized consumer electricity use and paved the way for appliances like the vacuum cleaner and personal sewing machines. • Industrial – The invention of the induction motor allowed for a more efficient form of power distribution. One coal power plant could power many factories, homes and businesses. AC electricity allowed industries to be located where they please as it could be transmitted long distances. Nikola Tesla Electric Plug - 1904 Induction Motor - 1887 The Tesla Coil George Westinghouse Thomas Edison • Varied Usage • Spark-Gap Radio Transmitter – This device was the first transmitter for wireless telegraphy. It generated radio frequency electromagnetic waves which were sent through the air to be picked up by a receiver. Tesla’s design of this device reliably produced radio frequencies. • Deviations • Tesla Antenna and Wireless Power – Tesla’s Coil could also be used as a receiver of electromagnetic impulses and electric power. This was referred to as a Tesla Antenna. The transmitting of the Tesla Antenna produces the vibrant plasma display • that many are familiar with. Tesla • hoped that one day the world might • run completely on wireless power • that would be obtainable at any • location on Earth. Spark-Gap Transmitter Tesla Coil Contributors: Jeff Farkas (CS) Alex Leslie (); Ron Heft (IST), Jon Rose (IST); Dave Zdinak () Tesla Antenna