Understanding AC and DC

[jameselectric]

What is the main reason why as a whole we use AC more than DC for our service and load power? just trying to understand the theory more.

 

[iwire]

It used to be hard to convert DC from generation voltage to high voltage for transmission then convert it back to a usable voltage. It was not cost effective to distribute DC long distances.

With AC power that is easily done with simple transformers.

That is one of the reasons I have heard, I am sure there are more. :smile:

 

[iaov]

The main reason is what Bob said. Transformers.

 

[cschmid]

If my understanding was correct, it is the cost of transmission..Bob is correct..

 

[peter d]

Voltage drop is another reason.

 

[mdshunk]

I really liked that Thunderstruck song of theirs from 1990.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Edison (DC) and Westinghouse (AC) each wanted their system to be the prevalent one, so they decided to have a winner-take-all cage match.

Edison was pulling out all the stops, and holding his own, until Tesla slipped Westinghouse some brass knuckles.

The rest is history.

At least this is how it was explained to me.

 

[cschmid]

wow a pay per view event and no invited us..

 

[mdshunk]

Tesla slipped Westinghouse some brass knuckles? How about Edison getting a folding chair to take to the head of Westinghouse? (didn't Edison develop and promote the electric chair, which used "dangerous" AC?)

 

[JohnJ0906]

Tesla slipped Westinghouse some brass knuckles? How about Edison getting a folding chair to take to the head of Westinghouse? (didn't Edison develop and promote the electric chair, which used "dangerous" AC?)

That chair was just unwieldly.... Westinghouse was too agile....

 

[peter d]

I really liked that Thunderstruck song of theirs from 1990.

Yeah, what he said.

 

[zog]

Edison (DC) and Westinghouse (AC) each wanted their system to be the prevalent one, so they decided to have a winner-take-all cage match.

Edison was pulling out all the stops, and holding his own, until Tesla slipped Westinghouse some brass knuckles.

The rest is history.

At least this is how it was explained to me.

Not exatly, there were several other key players and Tesla didnt slip anything to anybody (Except JD Rockerfellers daughter possibly).

If you want the true story buy or check out "Empires of Light" it is at most libraries and on Amazon.

 

[zog]

I really liked that Thunderstruck song of theirs from 1990.

For those about to shock, we salute you! FIRE!

 

[JohnJ0906]

Not exatly, there were several other key players and Tesla didnt slip anything to anybody (Except JD Rockerfellers daughter possibly).

If you want the true story buy or check out "Empires of Light" it is at most libraries and on Amazon.

I thought a little wrestling humor would be OK.

My bad. :roll:

 

[Lxnxjxhx]

I know one of them suggested substituting the word "Westinghoused" for "Electrocuted."

 

[peter d]

I thought a little wrestling humor would be OK.

My bad. :roll:

You're forgiven. :roll:

 

[cschmid]

no wrestling humor..:-?