Timeline of Key Events in the AC Revolution of the 1900s: Tesla, Westinghouse, and Edison

The early 1900s marked a pivotal era in the history of electricity, with alternating current (AC) systems emerging as the dominant technology. This period was driven by the innovations and competitions of inventors such as Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse, and Thomas Edison. This article outlines the significant events and technological advancements during this transformative time in the history of electrical power distribution.

Foundation of Electrical Theory

1600: William Gilbert, a British physician and scientist, published his work De Magnete, the first scientific treatise on electricity and magnetism, marking the beginning of systematic study on electromagnetism.

1799: Alessandro Volta developed the first electrical battery, known as the Voltaic Pile, which was the precursor to modern battery technology.

1821: Michael Faraday demonstrated the first simple electric motor, laying the groundwork for the practical use of electricity.

Electric Power Distribution Systems

1878: Pavel Yablochkov introduced his arc light system, which was one of the early forms of electric lighting.

1882: Thomas Edison established the Pearl Street Station in Lower Manhattan, launching the modern electric utility industry and using DC (Direct Current) power distribution.

1886: Westinghouse Electric Company was founded, and Westinghouse purchased the American rights to the AC current transformers from Lucien Gaulard and John Dixon Gibbs, who demonstrated their transformers in London in 1881.

1886: William Stanley developed the first full feature AC power distribution system, funded by Westinghouse in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

The AC Revolution

1888: Nikola Tesla presented the Polyphase Alternating Current System at the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, detailing his groundbreaking multi-phase AC systems that could transmit electricity over long distances with minimal loss.

1888: George Westinghouse hired Nikola Tesla as a consultant and purchased patent options on induction motors from both Tesla and Galileo Ferraris, integrating Tesla's AC technology into the Westinghouse Electric Company.

1893: Westinghouse's AC system was chosen for the installation of the electrical exhibits at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, showcasing the advantages of AC over Edison's DC technology.

Key Contributions

While many other inventors and engineers contributed to the development of electrical technology, the work of Tesla, Westinghouse, and Edison stands out as pivotal. Tesla's innovation with multi-phase AC systems and Westinghouse's strategic adoption of this technology were crucial factors in the widespread adoption of AC power distribution.

Conclusion

The AC revolution of the early 1900s was a technological landscape shaped by the visionary work of Tesla, Westinghouse, and Edison. Their contributions not only impacted the development of modern electrical power but also left a lasting legacy in shaping the global infrastructure we rely on today.

Learn More

For more detailed insights into the historical development of AC and other contributions to electrical technology, explore the following resources:

Inventors and Innovators of the Electrical Age The World of George Westinghouse: A Pioneering Engineer The Life and Work of Nikola Tesla