Surprising History & Physics of the AC Transformer

Kathy Joseph introduces the topic of AC electric transformers, emphasizing their simplicity and significance in energy transmission. She recounts the historical journey, starting with Michael Faraday's experiments in 1831, which led to the discovery of electromagnetic induction. Faraday's work inspired others like Emil Lenz, who contributed to the understanding of induced voltage and the impact of coil convolutions on electromagnetic power. The narrative also touches on the confusion between Lenz's Law and Faraday's Induction Law, highlighting the importance of the negative sign in these laws, which represents the frictional aspect of induction.

This section delves into the development of electromagnetic devices following Faraday's discoveries. It discusses the work of Lenz, who formulated a mathematical relationship for induced power, and Callan, who experimented with electromagnetic repeaters, discovering the principle of voltage increase with more coils. The script also mentions the contributions of Ruhmkorff, who improved coil winding methods, and Helmholtz, who explained the mathematics behind capacitors in circuits. The historical account includes Edison's ventures with Ruhmkorff coils and his eventual shift to electric lighting, leading up to the establishment of the first electric power station.

The script narrates the transition from experimental devices to practical AC transformers for power transmission. It revisits Faraday's insights on the influence of electric current on itself and introduces James Clerk Maxwell, who provided mathematical foundations to Faraday's theories. Maxwell's equations, including those for magnetic induction and self-induction, are highlighted, illustrating how they laid the groundwork for understanding transformers and power distribution. The paragraph also discusses the relationship between current, voltage, and the physical properties of coils, as well as the impact of self-inductance on energy transmission.

Kathy Joseph tells the story of Lucien Gaulard, who is credited with inventing the AC transformer for power transmission. Despite initial skepticism, Gaulard's transformer gained recognition after a successful demonstration. The ZBD group, consisting of Zipernowski, Blathy, and Deri, improved upon Gaulard's design, introducing a more practical transformer and the term 'transformer' itself. The paragraph also sets the stage for the War of the Currents, a pivotal moment in electrical power distribution, and hints at the involvement of George Westinghouse Jr., a key figure in the adoption of AC power systems.

This section focuses on George Westinghouse Jr.'s contributions to the development of AC transformers. Westinghouse recognized the potential of Gaulard's device and improved it to create a practical AC transformer suitable for industrial use. The script corrects misconceptions about William Stanley's role, clarifying that Westinghouse was the true innovator behind the modern single-phase AC transformer. It also details the beginnings of the rivalry between Edison and Westinghouse, sparked by Edison's fear of the dangers of AC power.

The script discusses the challenges faced by Westinghouse and Tesla in promoting AC power. It describes Edison's campaign against AC, including public demonstrations of its dangers using animals. Despite these setbacks, Westinghouse and Tesla persevered, with Westinghouse eventually purchasing Tesla's patents for polyphase motors and generators. The paragraph reveals the initial struggles with Tesla's motor and the eventual improvements made by Benjamin Lamme, who played a crucial role in perfecting the induction motor for industrial use.

This section explores the development of Tesla's motor and the marketing strategies employed by Westinghouse to promote polyphase generators. It details Benjamin Lamme's account of perfecting Tesla's 2-phase motor and the idea to create a 'fad' around Tesla's name to boost sales. The script also discusses the recognition Lamme received for transforming Tesla's ideas into commercial products, and the broader implications of Tesla's work on the electrical industry.

The script highlights the expansion of polyphase systems in the electrical industry, with contributions from various engineers like Michael Dolivo Dobrowisky and Charles Proteus Steinmetz. It discusses how Tesla's ideas on multi-phase electricity were essential for long-distance power transmission and the development of the modern electrical grid. The paragraph also addresses the misconceptions about Tesla's role in the invention of the AC transformer and the actual contributions of other key figures like Westinghouse and the ZBD group.

This section dispels myths surrounding Tesla and Edison's rivalry and their contributions to electrical engineering. It clarifies that Tesla was not responsible for the invention of the AC transformer and that Edison was not entirely opposed to AC power. The script also corrects the historical inaccuracies in Tesla's own accounts of his interactions with Edison and Westinghouse, providing factual corrections to the timeline and events of the War of the Currents.

Kathy Joseph emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the collective efforts of scientists and engineers in the development of electrical engineering. She argues against the mythologization of Nikola Tesla and the minimization of other contributors like Westinghouse, Maxwell, and Faraday. The script celebrates Faraday's profound influence on the field and the collaborative nature of scientific progress, urging for a more accurate and collective understanding of history.

The final section of the script invites viewers to engage with primary sources and original documents to deepen their understanding of the history of electrical engineering. Kathy Joseph shares her methodology for researching and verifying historical accounts, and she provides resources for further exploration, including her book 'The Lightning Tamers' and her website. She encourages a collective effort in understanding and sharing accurate scientific history.