Silver instead of copper wire in electric generators?

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SUMMARY

Using silver instead of copper wire in electric generators results in minimal differences in performance. The resistivity of silver is 1.6E-8 ohm-m, while copper has a resistivity of 1.7E-8 ohm-m, indicating that silver reduces resistance losses slightly. However, this reduction may lead to increased transformer losses. Historical context reveals that during World War II, silver was used in U.S. projects due to copper shortages, particularly in RF coils for military transmitters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistivity and its impact on performance
  • Familiarity with electric generator design and components
  • Knowledge of transformer operation and losses
  • Basic historical context of materials used in wartime engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of material resistivity on electrical efficiency
  • Explore transformer loss mechanisms and mitigation strategies
  • Investigate historical material substitutions in electrical engineering
  • Learn about RF coil design and materials used in military applications
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, materials scientists, and historians interested in wartime engineering practices will benefit from this discussion.

dm164
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I'm wondering if it make much difference if they used silver instead of copper wire in electric generators? Also, how does switching from silver to copper wire affect the voltage and current, or does it just create some resistance?
 
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It reduces resistance losses , but probably increases (stolen) transformer losses
 
I think that during World War II, silver was substituted for copper in some U. S. wartime projects because brass was being used for shell casings. I am told also that solid silver wire was being used in the RF coils in military transmitters. See for example

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb203/is_3_39/ai_n49408104/

Bob S
 


thanks
 


dm164 said:
make much difference if they used silver instead of copper wire in electric generators?

Not much. The resistivity of silver is 1.6E-8 ohm-m, whereas that of copper is 1.7E-8
 

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