AC⚡DC WARS

AC⚡DC WARS

Electric Current Wars

The rivalry between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla over electrical currents is known as the "current wars." This competition revolved around two different systems of electricity transmission: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Here are the main points of conflict between these two prominent inventors:

Thomas Edison: Edison focused on the direct current (DC) system. DC involves a constant flow of electric current in one direction. Edison developed the first commercial electric distribution system based on this principle and built the initial electric grids using DC. However, the DC system suffered from energy losses over longer transmission distances and required higher voltages.

Nikola Tesla: Tesla worked on the alternating current (AC) system. AC involves the regular reversal of the current's direction at regular intervals. Tesla argued that AC was more effective for transmitting electricity over longer distances. He also demonstrated that AC could be used for voltage transformation, making it easier to transmit electricity at lower voltages.

The current wars emerged from the competition between Edison's DC system and Tesla's AC system. Edison claimed that AC was dangerous and could be lethal. He attempted to emphasize the dangers of AC by showcasing examples to the public. Edison also campaigned against AC by introducing the electric chair as a potential method of execution using AC.

Ultimately, AC's advantages, such as efficient transmission over longer distances, the ability to transform from low to high voltage, and a more flexible transmission structure, proved superior. As a result, the foundation of electrical distribution was established based on the AC system.

Tesla's AC system gained wider acceptance, particularly with the support of George Westinghouse, and provided the foundational technology for modern-day electrical grids. These events serve as an interesting example of how technological rivalry and the evolution of new energy systems can unfold.