Tesla Tower Transmission Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Nikola Tesla's methods of power transmission, specifically whether he aimed to transmit power through the ionosphere, the lower atmosphere, or the ground. Participants explore various aspects of Tesla's work, including his patents and the technology he developed, as well as the implications of his theories on wireless power transmission.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about Tesla's intended medium for power transmission, suggesting it may be the lower atmosphere based on his patents and constructions.
  • Another participant notes that Tesla's power transmission methods are often surrounded by hyperbole and misinformation, indicating a skepticism about the discourse surrounding Tesla's legacy.
  • A participant mentions the concept of using the atmosphere for transmission while utilizing the ground as a return path.
  • One participant discusses Tesla's use of quarter waves in his coils, questioning the significance of this approach and suggesting potential overlooked applications in modern technology.
  • A later reply cautions against conflating Tesla coils with the Tesla power tower, labeling the latter as an "impossible dream."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on Tesla's methods or the validity of his theories. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the nature of his power transmission and the relevance of his inventions.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of the atmospheric layers and the technical feasibility of Tesla's proposed methods. The discussion also reflects a divergence in perspectives on the historical significance and accuracy of Tesla's contributions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the history of electrical engineering, Tesla's inventions, and the theoretical aspects of wireless power transmission may find this discussion insightful.

forex10
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Several weeks ago I viewed a PBS program on Tesla - which is always interesting, & I learn new information every time I read or view a program about Tesla. Here is a question that is some what of a mystery - was Tesla trying to transmit power through the ionosphere, the regular (lower) atmosphere, or through the ground? Thanks in advance for any replies.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla

You won't find much interest in Tesla here on PF. There is too much hyperbole and misinformation about his story, much of it about the wireless power transmission you asked about. What a shame, because Tesla did so many other sound engineering things.
 
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forex10 said:
Several weeks ago I viewed a PBS program on Tesla - which is always interesting, & I learn new information every time I read or view a program about Tesla. Here is a question that is some what of a mystery - was Tesla trying to transmit power through the ionosphere, the regular (lower) atmosphere, or through the ground? Thanks in advance for any replies.
I tend to believe the lower atmosphere, based on his patents and the things he built. The following link shows the conditions of atmospheric voltage.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_electricity
 
through atmosphere using ground for return
 
I always obtain such good responses when I post questions on the forums. So to further expand the discussion I had learned that Tesla had generated massive amplification by using quarter (sine?) waves within the secondary coils (of the Tesla coil). Why is this? How could something as mundane as a quarter wave form be so remarkable? I guess today we could do the same thing with transistors, but what he did was still quite amazing & it is too bad that we could not have made use of it at the time.

I am examining other advanced uses for quarter waves that may have been over looked by the scientific community.
 
You should not mix Tesla coils and Tesla power tower in the same discussion.

Tesla coils are widely available and often used. The power tower was an impossible dream.
 

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