Some of the Inventions and Contributions by Nikola Tesla Most prominent are AC, Wardenclyffe Tower, wireless power transmission, induction motor and more than 300 patents.
Nikola Tesla was born in present-day Croatia on July 10, 1856 and integrated a traditional family of the time. From an early age he was recognized for great abilities and especially a strong sensitivity to phenomena that for many were paranormal but that he managed to channel science, Others, however, considered him simply a visionary.
Nikola Tesla
Tesla revealed on several occasions experiences in which the light was revealed over and over again in flashes that flooded his visions, but he always explained the phenomenon from science. Never managed to escape the world of invention, more than 300 patents realize this.
Despite his life dedicated to the study he never obtained a university degree, but it had formation and was recognized like mechanical, physical and electrical engineer. For some time he worked in Europe and in 1884 decided to move to New York to work with Tomás Alva Edison.
Tesla's contributions to the modern world
AC power
His passing through Edison Machine Works made him aware of the possibilities but also the limitations of the production of electrical energy through direct current, including its short range.
Tesla understood that by shortening the magnetic cores it was possible to multiply the output of the power generators.
Thus invented the alternating current that would allow a production at a lower cost and with a far greater extent than 800 meters that allowed the direct current.
With this discovery would begin what many recognize as the second industrial revolution starting a long way to contribute to science.
The induction motor
The discovery of the alternating current revealed to Tesla and other scientists that not only had the possibility of bringing light to the whole world but that it was possible to drive any type of machine with this power.
Demonstrating that an engine was running with the creation of a circular magnetic field, Tesla introduced its new invention: the induction motor, which would give life to elevators, fans and dozens of appliances.
The current transformer
The success of Tesla grew parallel to the deterioration of his relationship with Edison, who did not receive the price agreed for his research on AC.
Edison began a smear campaign against the Westinghouse company with whom Tesla was then working.
The way to create mistrust of the possibilities of the alternating current was to present it as a dangerous, almost criminal invention. Thus Edison presented the electric chair and with it the destructive potential of Tesla's inventions.
The media attack did nothing more than inspire Tesla and thus created the current transformer, a machine capable of converting 100,000 volts to 110 volts for domestic use, in a completely safe way.
The system of production and distribution of energy became more and more complete and convinced to Tesla that it was possible to give to the whole planet of electric light of almost free form.
The rivalry of the two researchers was increasing, and the project to create a hydroelectric power station in Niagara Falls pitted the energy titans.
Edison lost the duel, because his boardmates of Edison Electric, already turned into General Electric, almost vetoed it and gave the reason to Tesla, favoring the consolidation of the project that gave light to the whole United States.
Wardenclyffe Tower
In his laboratory, Tesla continued to devise the way to carry the light, the same one that kept flashing in his eyes since childhood, the whole planet.
Thanks to the tests he did with the famous Tesla Coil he was convinced that it was possible to transmit electrical energy without wiring. The tests made him convert 120 volts to 500 volts and the power that radiated this discharge could ignite light bulbs that acted as receivers.
He devised and built the Wardenclyffe Tower to transfer energy wirelessly, from where he thought he could distribute free to the world, not only light, but also take advantage of electromagnetic waves for transmission of images and sound.
Tesla was sure of his invention to achieve maximum power transfer with high energy efficiency.
Radio
His studies and experiments were able to arouse the interest of the investors.
However, the coincidence of Marconi's interoceanic tests, making use of Tesla's knowledge to affirm the beginnings of radio from electromagnetic waves, made Tesla's mentors think that the world already had the answer to it. That he was looking for and the project stopped.
Almost 40 years later the science would give recognition to Tesla as inventor of the radio.
Submarine
The transmission of electric power without wiring motivated Tesla's mind to devise an underwater machine that could act as a generator and thus carry the energy to receivers on the other side of the ocean.
His research now allows us to enjoy the possibilities of industrial and research submarines.
This first step towards the submarine would be perfected by Isaac Peral several years later.
Mechanism for driving propellers
For Tesla the possibilities of transmitting electric power were also in the air and therefore devised the mechanism to run a propeller that would later be used for the creation of the airplane and much later the helicopter.
Wireless power transmission
Nowadays, it is increasingly common to find applications based on Tesla's research and inventions.
The transmission of energy without wiring allows in the area of medicine to recharge mechanisms such as the pacemaker from an external battery.
Thanks to his studies on lightning it is also possible to carry out in our times various diagnoses and therapies and his research on electromagnetism are the source of the technology to perform magnetic resonances.
Likewise, it is increasingly popular to see the recharge of smartphones through batteries that do not use cables and in record time.
The automotive industry has also benefited from Tesla's inventions, not only for the creation of electric cars but also for recharging them without wiring, a system that is becoming increasingly popular in the world.
A number of technologies and machines are today at the service of humanity, trying to improve the living conditions of all people.
As Tesla told journalist John Smith in an already mythical interview:"Everything is the light", read from science and why not also from quantum.
References
- Tesla Nikola. A new system of current current motors and transformers. American Institute of Electrical Engineers, May 1888. EnergyThic - Tesla's writtings in tesla.hu
- Cohen Samuel. The Electrical Experimenter, June, 1515, Magazine, p. 39.45
- McGreevy P. Imagining the Future at Niagara Falls. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 1987. Page 48-62
- Das Barman et alt. Wireless powering by magnetic resonant coupling: Recent trends in wireless power transfer system and its applications. Volume 51, November 2015, pp. 1525-1552
- Villarejo-Galende et alt. Nikola Tesla: Lightning of inspiration. Rev Neurol 2013, 56 (2). p. 109-114 neurologia.com.