Re: Different type power
The US alternating current system was designed by Nikola Tesla and Westinghouse for the Niagra Power Station. 60 hertz was deemed the best frequency for both efficiency of power generation and distribution. Above 60 hertz, the electrons in conductors tend to migrate to the "skin" of the conductor making the conductor less effect in ratio to its size and if you keep raiseing the frequency, the electrons will actualy "jump" off the conductor as radio waves. Below 50 or so hertz, lights will actuall begin to flicker from the series of on's and off's during an AC cycle. However, some transit systems still use 25 hertz systems to run the vehicles.
Meanwhile, a German company called AEG controlled the power distribution and generation throughout Europe. They choose a 50 hetz system. So wherever European countries had colonies and influences, the 50 hertz system spread there. Everywhere the US had ties, the 60 hertz system was put into place.
Tesla was not a fan of the 110v system, but Edison had selected this voltage earlier for his 3-wire DC system. westinghouse was afraid people would be afraid to use electrical power from the AC system if it was not similar to that of Edison's established system. Besides, everything was already rated and designed at 110V in the US.
In Europe, voltage drop and power loss is more of a problem both becasue of the 50 hertz system and the lack of generating facilities as compared to the US. They needed to raise the voltage of their systems to allow them operate better.
