As AC won permanent

Have you ever wondered why in Russia, our energy networks of alternating current, and in the homes is 230 volts, and, for example, in the United States - 110 (120) volts, but all the same recess. And why are so prevalent initially DC still loses AC. Let us know about it, so there you go.

Confronting AC and DC

This fight was between T. Edison - a supporter of DC and N. Tesla together with D. Westinghouse, who promoted the idea of ​​alternating current. And it lasted for over 100 years. The official end of the transition is the fact of the last customer in New York City on an alternating current, which took place at the end of November 2007.

How it all began

In 1878, Edison creates a company "Edison Electric Light" (current name "General Electric"). Literally next year patented the first electric light bulb, and in 1880 Edison a patent for a three-wire system (+ 110V, -110V, and zero) distribution and production electricity. In 1882 launched the first power DC in London. And by 1887 in the US, there are hundreds of power plants, and, seemingly, the hegemony of Edison and DC is not in danger.

The appearance of the AC

The competition is not unique to the modern world, and George Westinghouse, examining patent Edison found a weak link, and it is the presence of large losses in the transmission of electricity over long distances.

In 1881, scientists L. Golar and D. Gibbs created the first transformer, capable of operating at high power levels.

After 5 years, starts 500 hydroelectric power stations on alternating current. But the main stop the spread of AC motors is the absence of working on the break, but thanks to N. Tesla in 1882 appears the first multi-phase electric motor, which is patented in 1888, and in the same year there is ac count.

Alternating current has decided the most important problem, namely a significant reduction in price of electrification facilities through construction of a strong power, and powering from her customers. After the maximum effective distance from DC stations which could be connected consumer was 1500 meters.

And since while there was no high-voltage constant voltage transformers, the only one loss control, was the construction of an entire network of stations or the use of thick copper wires, which was extremely expensive.

In the AC was no such problem, but Edison was not going to give up and lose their business.

current war

The first thing Edison has filed 11 lawsuits in court to recognize the work of Tesla and Westinghouse plagiarism. But all claims were rejected.

Then came the black PR, during which have been arranged the entire demonstration, during which animals were subjected to an AC shock.

In addition, Edison offered to execute criminals electric shock, naturally dangerous - variable, not a constant safe.

Westinghouse was categorically against such use of power, so the alternators for the production of the first electric chair were produced in a roundabout way. In addition, the convicted Kemmler had hired the best lawyers to protect.

Despite all the efforts Westinghouse first electrocution took place in 1890, and the very next day the newspapers bought Edison presented the event as follows: "Westinghouse executed Kemmler. "

After such a powerful "black PR" Americans are afraid of the alternating current, and the company is Edison beginning evolve, and in 1892 launched Power Con Ed, which supplies energy to 59 in New York City houses.

But it was a temporary victory because already in 1893, Westinghouse and Tesla wins the tender for the organization of lighting fairs Chicago 200 000 light bulbs, and in 1896 they same finish assembling a large plant to alternating current at Niagara Falls, via which provides AC power to a city like Buffalo. And according to Tesla power from this station will be enough to provide energy for the entire US.

And the final victory of AC won in 1928, when the system DC no longer actively develop and maintain a standing existing networks.

Thereafter, the DC system is gradually understood, and were completely dismantled by 2007, and consumers have been translated into an alternating current.

In fairness it should be noted that so far in San Francisco and even some cities, you can find islands DC - rare elevators, which feed on postoyanke wires laid over a hundred years ago.

But AC defeated, once and for all.

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