The 20th Century and Beyond

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Throughout the end of the 19th century and into the 20th century, the sytems used to generate electricity changed drastically. The main forms were water turbine and coal. In 1888 Charles F. Brush invented a multiple-bladed “picket fence” rotor. It was the first windmill to incorporate a step-up gearbox (ratio 50:1) in order to turn a direct current generator 500 rpm. It operated for 20 years but its low speed only produced 12-kilowatts whereas comparably sized, lift-type rotors produced 80-100 kilowatts. Wind generation continued to improve throughout the 20th century despite numerous setbacks. There have been many advances in wind power generation but it is only in Europe where it is common practice. In North America, power generation is primarily from water turbine, coal and nuclear.

Throughout the early 20th century electricity went from being a luxury item and new science to a common convenience. Public utilities were sprouting all across the country which meant that more and more people experienced electricity in their homes and businesses. By the 1940’s, despit the Great Depression and World War II, electricity ceased to be a novelty and became a necessity of everyday life. As the economy roared in the postwar years, electricity usage boomed. In fact, from 1947-1984, electricity consumption in the United States grew from 300 billons kwh (kilowatts per hour) to 2600 billons kwh.

As we head into the 21st Century it is important to remember how far the science of electricity has progressed in 400 years. Its also important to not take it for granted. The Northeast Blackout of 2003, California Energy Crisis and Hurricane Katrina should serve as reminders that electricity can be a fragile convenience. But these also should serve as motivation for tomorrow's scientists and engineers to produce a greener form of electricity generation as well as a more stable form of electricity transmittance.

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