A device that changes alternating current from one voltage to another through electromagnetic induction, with no moving parts. Practical transformers of the mid 1880s, from the ZBD engineers in Hungary and William Stanley in the United States, made it possible to transmit power at high voltage over long distances and deliver it safely at low voltage, the fact that decided the adoption of alternating current for the electrical grid.
Facts
Technology Type Invented YearThe ZBD transformer and the Stanley transformer both date to 1885; Faraday demonstrated induction between coils in 1831. Classification
MaturityTRL 9: Actual System Proven in Operational Environment 1 Connections
Associated With
Advanced alternating current circuit theory and transformer design at General Electric.
Circuit breakers and transformers are both core protective and conversion equipment in electrical grid substations.
Source Royal Institution Official Site
HVDC converter stations rely on power transformers to step voltage between the AC grid and the DC link.
Source Wikipedia: Transformer
Designed the Deptford Power Station and pioneered high voltage AC transmission in Britain.
Developed By
Co-invented practical AC transformer and arc lighting systems; co-founder of the company that became General Electric.
Westinghouse commercialized the transformer in America on the ZBD and Gaulard-Gibbs work, with William Stanley as his engineer.
Source Encyclopedia Britannica
Co-invented an early practical AC transformer with Lucien Gaulard, demonstrated 1884.
Developed transformer theory and the three wire electricity distribution system, 1880s.
Co-invented an early practical AC transformer with John Dixon Gibbs, demonstrated 1884.
Invented the three phase transformer and three phase induction motor, pioneering polyphase AC power transmission.
Built the first practical AC transformer used in a commercial power distribution system, Great Barrington Massachusetts, 1886.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Transformer
2. Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.britannica.com/technology/transformer-electronics, page summary
Transformer, device that transfers electric energy from one alternating-current circuit to one or more other circuits, either increasing (stepping up) or reducing (stepping down) the voltage.
- Developed By: George Westinghouse
View the Source Royal Institution Official Site
Royal Institution of Great BritainAssociated With: Faraday Demonstrates Induction, Collection, Michael Faraday ring-coil apparatusQuote, Associated With: Faraday Demonstrates Induction, Collection, Michael Faraday ring-coil apparatus
thus creating the first ever electric transformer.
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