[Lowfer] [Other] History AC
DTX
[email protected]
Wed, 17 Mar 2004 16:03:50 -0800
I think I remember reading waaaayy back when I was young and new to all this
stuff, that it was the price vs quality of the steel for motors, generators
and transformers. Better quality, higher cost but higher frequency implying
less steel would be needed.
I believe the original Niagra Falls power plant of Testla/Westinghouse was
25 Hz. At the other extreme, I once had a surplus blower that was used to
provide air flow for cooling electronics (I think in the B-36?) that turned
13,000 rpm but needed something like 3 phase 110 VAC @ 1000 Hz. Some
ridiculous airflow.....the motor was small, about 4 inches in diameter and 4
to 5 inches long, weighed perhaps 3-4 lbs and I think had a .6 hp stamped on
the nameplate. I got it thru surplus channels in the early 1960's, had it
with me thru several moves until 1995 or so. I would look at it, marvel at
the ratings and swear I would build a PS just to see it run. Never did<G>
I also vaguely remember talk/writings in the trade rags about how much steel
and $$ could be saved if we would switch to 400Hz. This was after all the
WW2 experience with aircraft where weight is critical. What they forgot to
mention was the cost to switch from 60hz in 1960 ;-)
Gary WA6DTX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Barick" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 12:44 PM
Subject: [Lowfer] [Other] History AC
>
> In the AC power industry, does anyone know a source of info on how 60Hz
> came about in U.S., contrasted w/ say 50Hz elsewhere?
>
> I've also seen where in Quebec 16 2/3Hz was used industrially. Purpose
> of this?
>
> Peter
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