Nikola Tesla Demonstrates AC Induction Motor
May 16, 1888 · 19th Century
Nikola Tesla presented his paper 'A New System for Alternating Current Motors and Transformers' to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers in New York. He demonstrated three motor types — reluctance, self-starting induction, and synchronous — all operating on polyphase alternating current without commutators. The presentation attracted George Westinghouse, who licensed Tesla's patents in July 1888, providing the technical foundation for AC power distribution that competed against Thomas Edison's direct current systems.
Key Figures
Nikola TeslaGeorge Westinghouse
Locations
Columbia College, New York
Topics
alternating currentinduction motorpolyphase powerelectrical engineeringWar of Currentspatent licensing
Connected Events — 4 Connections
Tesla patented AC motor and polyphase system were licensed by Westinghouse and deployed at Niagara Falls establishing AC as the standard for large-scale power distribution First Electrical AC System Invented
Tesla's AC power systems enabled the electrical infrastructure that powered radio broadcasting stations like KDKA KDKA Begins Regular Radio Broadcasting
Edison's DC lighting system created the electrical industry that Tesla's AC motor sought to transform Incandescent Light Bulb Invented
Faraday's discovery of electromagnetic induction provided the physical basis for Tesla's AC motor Faraday Discovers Electromagnetic Induction
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