05-05-2016, 07:32 AM
Tesla invented the 3 phase power system that is almost universally used. This was by far his most important idea. For better or worse he is usually remembered for the drama of the Tesla Coil and some of his more controversial work.
Edison used the lowest frequency of all: 0Hz or DC. Inevitably lost out to AC as power stations became bigger and transmission distances longer. If you were starting again now you might well use DC. Modern electronics makes transforming DC voltages relatively easy and much equipment would be fine with a DC supply. One annoyance would be switches. It's much easier to switch AC as the arc extinguishes at each zero crossing.
Edison used the lowest frequency of all: 0Hz or DC. Inevitably lost out to AC as power stations became bigger and transmission distances longer. If you were starting again now you might well use DC. Modern electronics makes transforming DC voltages relatively easy and much equipment would be fine with a DC supply. One annoyance would be switches. It's much easier to switch AC as the arc extinguishes at each zero crossing.
www.borinsky.co.uk Jeffrey Borinsky www.becg.tv
