Tesla vs Edison
Figure 1 – Nikola Tesla, the man behind Alternating Current (AC)
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison played a major role in shaping the electricity we use today. Both were pioneers in electrical engineering but their rivalry over Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) became one of the most significant technological battles in history.[i]
This conflict, known as the War of Currents, determined the future of power distribution.
Edison was a strong advocate of DC power, which flows in a single direction and was the foundation of early electrical grids.[ii] DC was reliable for short distances and could efficiently power small electrical networks. However, it had a major limitation; it couldn’t be easily converted to different voltages, making long-distance transmission inefficient. Because of this, DC power stations had to be placed every few miles, making it expensive and impractical for large-scale systems.
Tesla, on the other hand, introduced AC power, which periodically reverses direction and allows voltage to be increased or decreased using a transformer. This made AC far more efficient for long-distance transmission and allowed electricity to be sent across entire cities and regions with minimal energy loss.
Tesla’s vision of a nationwide electrical grid eventually became a reality. Tesla initially worked under Edison but left after a financial dispute. He later partnered with George Westinghouse, who recognize AC’s potential. Together, they developed AC generators and transformers, making electricity more practical and cost-effective for widespread use.
Edison fought hard to discredit Tesla’s AC System. He launched a smear campaign to convince the public that AC was dangerous, even electrocuting animals in public demonstrations to instil fear. He was also involved in the creation of the electric chair, hoping to associate AC with deadly consequences. Despite these efforts, Tesla and Westinghouse proved AC’s superiority.
Tesla and Westinghouse won the contract to power the 1893 Chicago World Fair, a huge milestone for AC technology. Then, in 1895, they built the first major hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, successfully providing electricity to Buffalo, New York. This event marked the ultimate victory of AC over DC.
Tesla’s AC System became the foundation of modern electricity distribution, powering homes, industries, and cities worldwide. While AC won the war of the currents, DC still has its uses today, especially in batteries, electronics, and renewable energy system.
Tesla’s achievements represent the power of knowledge and innovation. While Edison focused on protecting his business interests, Tesla relied on scientific advancements to push technology forward. Tesla didn’t just challenge the existing system; he completely transformed how electricity is generated and distributed. At the end of the day, their rivalry wasn’t just about personal conflict, it shaped the modern world. It also proved that true progress comes from knowledge and vision, not just money or business strategies.
References
Cole, B. M., & Chandler, D. (2019). A Model of Competitive Impression Management: Edison versus Westinghouse in the War of the Currents. (JSTOR, Ed.) Administrative science quarterly, 64(4), 1020-1063.
D'Alto, N. (2002, February ). Edison, Tesla, and the battle of the currents: should electricity be AC or DC? (Odyssey, Ed.) 11(2), 20. doi:https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&u=murdoch&id=GALE%7CA83241721&v=2.1&it=r&aty=shibboleth
Dattopadhye, S. (2023). Samirsinh Dattopadhye Official Blog. Retrieved from sadguruaniruddhabapu.com: https://sadguruaniruddhabapu.com/post/wireless-electricity-part-1
NIDEC Motor Corporation . (2024). Retrieved from nidec.com : https://acim.nidec.com/en/drives/control-techniques/News-And-Media/Blog/Drive-Basics/Articles/2016/07/27/A-Brief-History-Of-AC-DC-Electricity
Richard F.Mould, M. P. (2017). Nikola Tesla (1856–1943). Scientist & inventor. Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology, 67(3), 223. doi:10.5603/NJO.2017.0036
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