(1997), which I wondered about due to the "Many people continue to be affected by the decisions on frequency standards made so very long ago" phrasing and the intro-bit about the need for adapters in the paper itself.
Because these days, voltage and especially frequency are pretty much irrelevant for mains-power AC, and "ignorant" will be more accurate than "affected" when it comes to "many people"…
Fun fact: Japan uses BOTH 60Hz and 50Hz for mains electricity due to historical generator purchases. This means the Japanese electric grid is split into two regions that cannot easily share electricity.
I always assumed it's because 60 is a highly composite number (superior, in fact!). It's kinda the best number if you're ever going to need to divide. 50 is kinda garbage in that regard. :/
If we could magically pick a frequency and voltage for electrical systems to use (without sunk costs), what would it be?
What's the most efficient for modern grids and electronics?
Would it be a higher frequency (1000hz)?
I know higher voltage systems are more dangerous but make it easier to transmit more power (toaster ovens in the EU are better because of 240v). I'm curious if we would pick a different voltage too and just have better/safer outlets.
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16 Comments
ethbr1
If only we could tag thought threads for submissions. Funny to see this coming out of the Baltic disconnect comment section!
antithesis-nl
(1997), which I wondered about due to the "Many people continue to be affected by the decisions on frequency standards made so very long ago" phrasing and the intro-bit about the need for adapters in the paper itself.
Because these days, voltage and especially frequency are pretty much irrelevant for mains-power AC, and "ignorant" will be more accurate than "affected" when it comes to "many people"…
ej1
[flagged]
rkagerer
Link straight to PDF: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=628…
ethbr1
Tl;dr – Because Westinghouse (60 Hz) beat out GE (50 Hz) in the early (~1910+) American AC electrical equipment market.
Ericson2314
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amtrak%27s_25_Hz_traction_powe… predates standardized 60 Hz, and still hasn't been converted (!!)
alex_young
60 Hz sure makes it easy to keep clocks on time.
UltraSane
Fun fact: Japan uses BOTH 60Hz and 50Hz for mains electricity due to historical generator purchases. This means the Japanese electric grid is split into two regions that cannot easily share electricity.
voxadam
(1997)
1-6
Duodecimal Society members are happy.
pkulak
I always assumed it's because 60 is a highly composite number (superior, in fact!). It's kinda the best number if you're ever going to need to divide. 50 is kinda garbage in that regard. :/
freeqaz
If we could magically pick a frequency and voltage for electrical systems to use (without sunk costs), what would it be?
What's the most efficient for modern grids and electronics?
Would it be a higher frequency (1000hz)?
I know higher voltage systems are more dangerous but make it easier to transmit more power (toaster ovens in the EU are better because of 240v). I'm curious if we would pick a different voltage too and just have better/safer outlets.
cjohnst
When f is 60Hz, it makes for some nice round numbers, and easier for mental calculations.
ω=2πf
At 60Hz, ω is 376.99… very near to the integer 377.
Also, Z₀, impedance of free space is not far off at 376.73… Ω
Aloha
I know Southern California Edison had 50hz power, I always used to find old clocks and radios as a kid with a conversion sticker.
I've always kept an eye out for good papers about the effort to convert, but they're hard to find.
alana314
As a result I hear B0 everywhere, in power lines, electric arcs, industrial motors, speaker buzz, etc
throw0101c
Meta: the IEE(E) has been around for a little while. One of the references:
> [5] L.B. Stillwell, ”Note on Standard Frequency,” IEE Journal, vol. 28, 1899, pp. 364-66.
That's 126 years ago.