Have you ever wondered how the electricity that you use on a daily basis makes it way from the power grid to your home? Everything around you, from the computer that you are reading this article on to your lights, to your television is powered by electricity.
When you think about it, it's an impressive feat to distribute such a huge amount of this amazing element all around the country in a safe and efficient manner so that we can use it in the way that we are accustomed to today.
Where did the power grid get its start and how did it get to where it is today? One of the earliest power systems in the world was pioneered by two electricians in England.
Their setup, started in 1881, utilized a set of two waterwheels that could produce enough AC (Alternating Current) to power dozens of light bulbs at the same time.
Although it was a huge advancement at the time, this was unfortunately not powerful enough to provide the amount of current that was necessary to consistently power the lamps of the time.
That being said, it was still an incredible accomplishment.
If nothing else, this early power plant provided the drive for others to further develop the electrical grid that we know today.
Only one year after these two Englishmen designed their waterwheel design, Thomas Edison invented the steam powered electrical station in New York City.
This was the beginning of the Edison Electric Light company, and marked the first fully functional power system.
In a short period of time, this early power plant was supplying electricity to fifty-nine different customers.
One of the biggest things holding back his power plant at this point in time was the fact that it could only transmit electricity to customers within one half of a mile.
If they tried to transport it further, too much power would be lost for it to be a viable energy source.
These days, it is not uncommon for someone to live hundreds of miles away from the original power source that provides their electricity.
After this incredible advancement in the field of electric power, many more electrical companies started to show up, grow and rise throughout the United States and Europe.
Although it was nothing like the grid that we enjoy today, a certain type of power network was developed as a result, and largely cultivated in Germany.
As more people around the world came into contact with electricity and discovered the amazing things that it was capable of, the demand for ready access to this resource rose dramatically.
As a result, power grids were further established and advanced until they reached the point that they have today.
In this day and age, there are very few places where you cannot easily flip a switch or plug into an outlet and be ready to go.
That being said, the grid continues to evolve, with many advances today focusing on streamlining the repair and maintenance process through smart grid programs.
It will be amazing to see what the grid looks like in another 100 years.
When you think about it, it's an impressive feat to distribute such a huge amount of this amazing element all around the country in a safe and efficient manner so that we can use it in the way that we are accustomed to today.
Where did the power grid get its start and how did it get to where it is today? One of the earliest power systems in the world was pioneered by two electricians in England.
Their setup, started in 1881, utilized a set of two waterwheels that could produce enough AC (Alternating Current) to power dozens of light bulbs at the same time.
Although it was a huge advancement at the time, this was unfortunately not powerful enough to provide the amount of current that was necessary to consistently power the lamps of the time.
That being said, it was still an incredible accomplishment.
If nothing else, this early power plant provided the drive for others to further develop the electrical grid that we know today.
Only one year after these two Englishmen designed their waterwheel design, Thomas Edison invented the steam powered electrical station in New York City.
This was the beginning of the Edison Electric Light company, and marked the first fully functional power system.
In a short period of time, this early power plant was supplying electricity to fifty-nine different customers.
One of the biggest things holding back his power plant at this point in time was the fact that it could only transmit electricity to customers within one half of a mile.
If they tried to transport it further, too much power would be lost for it to be a viable energy source.
These days, it is not uncommon for someone to live hundreds of miles away from the original power source that provides their electricity.
After this incredible advancement in the field of electric power, many more electrical companies started to show up, grow and rise throughout the United States and Europe.
Although it was nothing like the grid that we enjoy today, a certain type of power network was developed as a result, and largely cultivated in Germany.
As more people around the world came into contact with electricity and discovered the amazing things that it was capable of, the demand for ready access to this resource rose dramatically.
As a result, power grids were further established and advanced until they reached the point that they have today.
In this day and age, there are very few places where you cannot easily flip a switch or plug into an outlet and be ready to go.
That being said, the grid continues to evolve, with many advances today focusing on streamlining the repair and maintenance process through smart grid programs.
It will be amazing to see what the grid looks like in another 100 years.
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