George Westinghouse was born in 1846, and died in 1914. He was an American entrepreneur and engineer who invented the railway air brake and was the founder of Westinghouse Electric.
During his life, he filed over 100 patents related to electric power. His inventions improved the efficiency and safety of electricity transmission and distribution. During his career, he reorganized the electrical industry twice: first in 1892 when he founded the Westinghouse Electric Company, and again in 1906 when he merged his company with those of other inventors to form the United States Electric Corporation.
The invention of AC (alternating current) power transmission and distribution was a revolutionary change for electricity. Before AC was developed, electricity was transmitted via DC (direct current). However, AC is more efficient at transmitting over long distances, which is why it is used today.
Invention of the transformer
The invention of the transformer most likely impacted the development of technology in the 20th century. The transformers are a device used to convert electrical energy from one voltage to another voltage.
Westinghouse Electric Company funded and encouraged Nikola Tesla’s research into alternating current (AC) technology in the late 1880s. Westinghouse was looking for a way to transmit electricity over long distances, which would require a device to convert electrical energy from one voltage to another.
Tesla invented the transformer, using his knowledge of inductance and magnetic flux. The device works by matching the electric current input and output voltages, reducing the amount of lost energy as heat. This reduces costs for companies and makes AC technology more efficient.
Although many scholars credit Tesla with the invention of the transformer, it is unclear whether he invented it independently or if he was inspired by other researchers at the time.
Helped develop the first commercial electricity distribution system
George Westinghouse Jr. was born in 1846 and died in 1914. During that time, he was an American businessman and inventor, best known for his work in the fields of electricity and transport.
Westinghouse helped develop the first commercial electricity distribution system, which fueled the great industrial boom of the late 19th century. He also invented a railway safety device known as the automatic interlocking switch.
His contributions to the world of electricity are enormous, making it a more reliable source of power for manufacturers and ordinary people alike. Without him, things like electric lights, electric trains, and many other devices and services would not be available.
He was an intelligent man who made a huge difference in people’s lives during his time on earth.
Used for lighting cities
The light bulb was one of the most revolutionary inventions of the past century. Before its creation, people had to use candles or gas lights to provide lighting in their homes and buildings.
With the invention of the incandescent light bulb, this became a thing of the past. The light bulb allowed for a steady flow of light that could be turned on and off.
This simplicity made it a very popular invention. Individuals could purchase one at a local store and use it right away without having to hire a professional to install it.
Besides being easy to use, the incandescent light bulb lasted for quite some time. Depending on the quality of the bulb, some could last up to ten years! This helped individuals save money in the long run since they did not have to replace them often.
Changed the world forever
When it comes to inventions that changed the world, few can top the light bulb. The creation of Thomas Edison is what most people think of when they hear the word “invention,” but there were other inventors working on similar ideas at the same time.
Several people, in fact, have claimed to have invented the first light bulb before Edison. One such person was a young Canadian named Henry Woodward who, in 1874, filed a patent for an electric lamp using carbon deposited on a thin wire which was described as being capable of “conveying electrical force and thus providing illumination.”
Unfortunately for him, his patent was rejected due to his failure to describe a practical way of manufacturing the lamp. Despite this setback, Woodward went on to become a pioneer in photography and was one of the first people to sell cameras and photographic supplies.
Like many other historical figures who have been forgotten by time, Woodward should be recognized for his contributions to technology as well.
Magnifying transmitter
In 1880, George Westinghouse invented the first automatic-operating magnifying transmitter. This device allowed for greater efficiency in the production of electricity.
Prior to this invention, people were unable to produce electricity at will. It was a rare occurrence, and it took a lot of effort to separate the charge created by friction of surfaces.
Westinghouse’s magnifying transmitter allowed for the creation of electricity with the flick of a switch. This made generating electricity much more convenient, as it is today.
His invention also decreased the amount of coal needed to generate a certain amount of electricity. This helped save the environment from excessive pollution due to the manufacturing process.
Overall, the automatic-operating magnifying transmitter had a positive impact on society by reducing the cost and time needed to generate electricity.
Switching station
When it comes to innovation in the field of electricity, few names rise to the top as prominently as Nikola Tesla.
Along with his ambitions to harness free energy, his name is also widely known for his contributions to the field of AC/DC power transmission.
However, there was another figure in the history of electricity who made an important contribution to this field- George Westinghouse.
Westinghouse was a wealthy industrialist who founded the Westinghouse Electric Company. He is best remembered for his investment in and development of AC power, which was pioneered by another famous figure- Nikola Tesla.
During the early years of electrical production and distribution, there were two major standards for transmitting electricity: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). DC transmission has been around since ancient times when it was first discovered; however, AC transmission is what we know today as “electricity”.
Current control
The control of current is one of the biggest developments in our world. With control of current, we can power most things, from lights to machines.
With the invention of the dynamo, or generator, electricity could be produced for industrial and residential use. This was a remarkable development in the evolution of electricity.
Westinghouse played a significant role in the development of the AC/DC converter and system. This allowed electricity to be transported over long distances and put into use for domestic and industrial purposes.
Power generation plants
In today’s world, power generation plants are a huge part of our daily lives. Everything that we use in our everyday lives requires energy to some extent.
From the light bulb you turn on to read at night, to the microwave you nuke your lunch in, to the refrigerator that keeps your food preserved and cooled, to the computer or phone that you use for communication and entertainment, and even the car you drive–they all require some form of energy.
Power generation plants provide the vast majority of energy that we use on a daily basis. Even if we were able to completely cut out using electricity from things like batteries and phones, we would still need to have power generation plants in place due to everything else that needs energy.
Westinghouse played a massive role in the development of power generation plants, which is something very important and crucial to our everyday lives.
