George Westinghouse (1846-1914) was an American entrepreneur and engineer who played a pivotal role in the electrical power industry’s development. He is best known for promoting the use of alternating current (AC) over direct current (DC) for electric power distribution, a system still in use today. Here’s a brief overview of his life and achievements:
- Early Life: Born in Central Bridge, New York, Westinghouse displayed an aptitude for machinery and innovation from a young age.
- Railroad Innovations: Before his work in electricity, Westinghouse made significant contributions to the railroad industry. One of his early notable inventions was the railway air brake in 1869, which greatly improved the safety of rail operations.
- Westinghouse Electric: In 1886, Westinghouse founded the Westinghouse Electric Company. He was an early advocate for the alternating current (AC) system for the distribution of electrical power, as developed by Nikola Tesla.
- War of the Currents: In the late 1880s and early 1890s, there was a significant public and technical dispute known as the “War of the Currents.” Thomas Edison, a proponent of direct current (DC), and Westinghouse, backing AC, were central figures in this debate. AC eventually prevailed mainly due to its ability to be transformed to different voltages more easily and its efficiency over long distances.
- Collaboration with Tesla: Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla collaborated on several projects. In one of the most notable collaborations, Westinghouse and Tesla secured the contract to electrify the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. They also worked on the creation of the first major hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls.
- Business Challenges: Despite his many successes, Westinghouse faced financial difficulties in the late 1890s and early 1900s, which led to him losing control of Westinghouse Electric in 1907.
- Legacy: George Westinghouse’s influence can still be felt today. The AC system he championed is the primary method of electrical distribution worldwide. His commitment to safety and efficiency in both rail transport and electrical distribution left an indelible mark on modern industry.
- Later Life: Westinghouse continued to invent and innovate until his health began to decline. He died in March 1914 in New York City.
George Westinghouse was not just an inventor but also a visionary entrepreneur who saw the potential in new technologies and had the business acumen to bring them to market successfully. He was a key figure in shaping the modern technological landscape.