Why Did Edison and Westinghouse Advocate Different Electricity Systems?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the contrasting electricity systems advocated by Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse during the War of Currents. Edison promoted numerous small generating stations for localized power, while Westinghouse, influenced by Nikola Tesla, favored a larger-scale alternating current (AC) system capable of transmitting electricity over long distances. This strategic divergence was driven by commercial advantages, technological capabilities, and inherent human factors such as pride and greed. For a detailed historical context, the discussion references the Wikipedia article on the War of Currents.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC vs. DC electricity systems
  • Familiarity with the War of Currents historical context
  • Knowledge of electrical engineering principles
  • Awareness of key figures: Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, Nikola Tesla
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the technical advantages of AC systems over DC systems
  • Explore the historical impact of the War of Currents on modern electrical infrastructure
  • Investigate the role of Tesla's inventions in the development of AC technology
  • Analyze the economic implications of electricity distribution methods in the late 19th century
USEFUL FOR

Historians, electrical engineers, students of technology and innovation, and anyone interested in the evolution of electrical systems and their societal impacts.

chopstick
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when a question is asking for reasons (except technological advantage) why each party held firmly to their own method for generating electricity, what should i consider of , and where can i find those reasons?
 
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Edison was thinking of LOTS of small generating stations powering small systems. Westinghouse (thanks to Tesla) was thinking much bigger. You can extend AC systems over very long distances with smaller conductors and reduce the cost of the distribution network and reduce line-losses.
 

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