Energy Atlas

How The World Is Powered
Technologies

Electrical Transformer

Also Known As Transformer
Grid Equipment

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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
Grid equipment 1
Invented Year
1885 1
The ZBD transformer and the Stanley transformer both date to 1885; Faraday demonstrated induction between coils in 1831.
Cross-Tradition Connections

Associated With

Developed By

Westinghouse commercialized the transformer in America on the ZBD and Gaulard-Gibbs work, with William Stanley as his engineer.

Sources
1. Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.View the Source
Royal Institution Official Site
Royal Institution of Great BritainAssociated With: Faraday Demonstrates Induction, Collection, Michael Faraday ring-coil apparatus
Quote, Associated With: Faraday Demonstrates Induction, Collection, Michael Faraday ring-coil apparatus
thus creating the first ever electric transformer.
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