Journal No.3 – Four dimensions of Power

Tesla vs Edison 

 

Figure 1 – Nikola Tesla, the man behind Alternating Current (AC) (Dattopadhye, 2023)

 

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. (Cole & Chandler, 2019)gr

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. (NIDEC Motor Corporation , 2024)

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. (D'Alto, 2002)

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. (Cole & Chandler, 2019)

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. (Richard F.Mould, 2017)

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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[i] AC is Alternating Current while DC is Direct Current 

 

[ii] Electrical Grid is the electricity network that delivers electricity from producers to consumers.

Journal No.2 - Sustainability

Journal No.2 – Sustainability 

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)  

To mitigate the global calls for the reduction of CO2 emissions gives rise to renewable energy sources. This gives rise to the use of Battery as a one of the solutions to minimise, albeit eliminate CO2 emissions. 

But the question is, does battery energy solution sustainable? 

 

Figure 1 – Synergy’s Kwinana Big Battery Energy Storage System

The phase closure of coal power plant has significantly brought about the influx of renewable energy to be developed for net-zero emission, thus bringing battery energy storage into the fold. 

Currently, Kwinana Battery Energy Storage 1 and 2 are underway and truly helps to the stability of electricity supply to homeowners of Western Australia; for a specific given time, at least 4-6 hours of the day, and needs to be recharge again for peak hours use. (Synergy, KBESS1, 2022) (Synergy, KBESS2, 2024)

Battery Energy Storage system life cycle is around 10 to 15 years and dependent on how it is being utilised. One single cycle per day describes the repeated discharging and recharging process. Cycle life is a measure of how many cycles a battery can deliver over its useful life. (Chapter II-2-B - Batteries in PV Systems, 2018)

The Collie Battery Energy Storage is currently under construction and expected for operational use sometime November 2025, and shall deliver about 64% of energy to WA homeowner. (Synergy, CBESS, 2024)

Both Kwinana Battery Energy Storage Solution 1 / 2 and Collie Battery Energy Storage Solution costs at least around $ 2.8 Billion AUD. 

Currently, there are no immediate plan or strategies on how to properly dispose of spent Big Battery. 

Lithium-ion batteries are classed as dangerous goods and are toxic if incorrectly disposed of. (Commission, 2023) Improper disposal of Lithium-ion batteries in household waste or recycling bins poses risks to people, property, and the environment, including fire hazards during waste procession. Mitigating these risks requires adequate disposal and recycling options, supported by viable facilities, sufficient infrastructure, and access to insurance to handle the growing volume of batteries. (Commission, 2023)

The lack of standardization at the pack and cell level, along with the complexity of storing, transporting, and handling of end-of-life (EoL) batteries, increases costs and reduces recycling incentives. (Thompson, 2020)

Battery Energy Storage Solution is a great innovation to mitigate CO2 emission and towards a net-zero CO2 but aside from developing these Technology, a proper waste disposal and eco-friendly end-of-life disposal are needed to have a more sustainable system. Without proper disposal, one would think that if battery is a sustainable development we need moving forward. Or should we look into Nuclear Energy? 

References

Chapter II-2-B - Batteries in PV Systems. (2018). In D. Spiers, & S. A. Kalogirou (Ed.), McEvoy's Handbook of Photovoltaics (Third Edition) (pp. 798-843). Academic Press. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809921-6.00021-5

Commission, A. C. (2023). Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety. Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety, 2.

Synergy. (2022). KBESS1. Retrieved from KBESS1: https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Kwinana-Battery-Energy-Storage-System-1

Synergy. (2024). CBESS. doi:https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Collie-Battery-Energy-Storage-System

Synergy. (2024). KBESS2. Retrieved from KBESS2: https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/SynergyRED/Large-Scale-Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems/Kwinana-Battery-Energy-Storage-System-2

Thompson, D. L. (2020, October 20). The importance of design in lithium ion battery recycling - a critical review. Green Chemistry : An International Journal and Green Chemistry Resource, 22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1039/D0GC02745F

Heat Rate

Measuring the heat rate of a power plant is essential for evaluating its efficiency, performance, and overall economic viability. 

1.) Assessing Efficiency 

• Heat Rate measure the amount of fuel (kJ or BTU) required to generate one kilowatt-hour(kWh) of electricity.

• A lower heat rate indicates higher fuel efficiency – meaning the plant is using less fuel to produce electricity. This is a critical factor in determining how well a power plant converts fuel energy into electrical energy. 

2.) Optimizing Fuel Consumption 

• Fuel is one of the largest operational costs in power plants, especially those running on fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, or oil. 

• By monitoring the heat rate, plant operators can identify opportunities to optimize fuel consumption and reduce operating costs. 

3.) Performance Monitoring 

• Regularly tracking the heat rate allows operators to detect performance degradation over time. 

• A rising heat rate might indicate issues like equipment wear, fouling, or inefficiencies (a failing turbine or cooling system) 

• A stable or decreasing heat rate suggests that the plant is running optimally. 

• This helps to schedule maintenance and avoid unplanned downtimes.

4.) Environmental Impact

• Lower heat rates lead to reduced fuel consumption, which translates into lower emissions (such as CO2). 

• Measuring the heat rate is vital for ensuring the plant meets environmental regulations and for improving its carbon footprint. 

5.) Profitability and Cost Management 

• In a competitive energy market, the ability to generate power efficiently at a lower cost can determine a plant’s profitability. 

• A more efficient plant (with a low heat rate) can generate electricity at a lower cost and sell it at a competitive rate, improving its market position. 

6.) Benchmarking and Comparison 

• Heat rate allows for comparison between different power plants or even between different technologies within the same plant. 

• Combined-cycle plants generally have lower heat rates compared to simple-cycle plants because they are more efficient. 

• Comparing heat rates can help in determining which plants or technologies are operating more efficiently, or if upgrades are needed. 

7.) Plant Design and Efficiency Targets

• Heat rate is an essential metric in setting and achieving design targets for new power plants. 

• It is used in plant feasibility studies to project energy production and costs over the plant’s lifespan. 

8.) Regulatory Compliance

• Heat rate is often part of performance guarantees in contracts or regulatory framework. Power plants are typically required to meet certain heat rate thresholds. 

• Monitoring it ensures the plant remains in compliance with these agreements. 

9.) Long-Term Planning 

• Over time, measuring heat rate helps power plant operators make data-driven decisions about equipment upgrades, plant expansions, or fuel-switching options, contributing to long-term planning and sustainability.