Overview
The lecture covers the historical "War of Currents" between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, detailing their competing visions—direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC)—and how their rivalry shaped the future of electricity.
Edison and Early Electrical Innovation
- Thomas Edison was a renowned inventor, famous for the phonograph and practical electric light bulb.
- Edison's key breakthrough was using carbonized thread in the light bulb, making it stable and practical.
- Edison pioneered the direct current (DC) electrical system, which required building entire new infrastructures.
- Edison's Pearl Street Station in Manhattan was the first power plant in the world, serving only a half-mile radius.
Tesla's Vision and Innovations
- Nikola Tesla, a visionary inventor, believed in using alternating current (AC) for efficient power transmission.
- Tesla's AC motor operated on a rotating magnetic field, making AC feasible for wide use.
- Tesla had difficulty finding work but eventually demonstrated AC’s potential to investors and secured funding.
- Tesla’s AC system could transmit electricity over long distances and efficiently power machines.
The War of Currents
- Edison's DC system was limited to short distances and required many costly, localized plants.
- Tesla partnered with George Westinghouse, who bought Tesla's AC patents and supported AC expansion.
- Edison launched a smear campaign against AC, highlighting risks by public demonstrations and supporting the electric chair’s use of AC.
- Despite attacks, AC’s advantages—especially with transformers allowing voltage step-down—prevailed for safety and efficiency.
The Niagara Falls Project and Aftermath
- Niagara Falls sought the best system to harness its hydro power; Edison's DC lost to Tesla and Westinghouse’s AC.
- AC won the contract, proving its superiority for large-scale power generation and transmission.
- Westinghouse faced bankruptcy due to legal battles and Tesla’s royalties; Tesla relinquished his fees to save AC’s future.
- Tesla died penniless, while Edison’s ego suffered his greatest defeat, but Tesla’s AC system became the global standard.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Direct Current (DC) — Electricity flows in one direction; Edison’s preferred system.
- Alternating Current (AC) — Electricity reverses direction periodically; Tesla’s system, suitable for long distances.
- Transformer — Device that changes the voltage of AC, making transmission safer and more efficient.
- Rotating Magnetic Field — Basis of Tesla’s AC motor; allows electric motors to run on AC.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review differences between DC and AC systems.
- Prepare for questions on key inventors and their inventions.
- Study the impact and structure of the Niagara Falls power project.