Swinburne Hedgehog Transformer, circa 1890
Add to SetSummary
In 1889, Scottish-born James Swinburne designed a transformer with a core of prickly iron wires. Swinburne claimed his open-circuit "hedgehog" transformer was more efficient than closed-circuit transformers for voltage regulation. Scientists and electrical engineers disputed his assertions and found his innovation was less efficient. Swinburne, however, remained a well-respected member of the engineering field.
In 1889, Scottish-born James Swinburne designed a transformer with a core of prickly iron wires. Swinburne claimed his open-circuit "hedgehog" transformer was more efficient than closed-circuit transformers for voltage regulation. Scientists and electrical engineers disputed his assertions and found his innovation was less efficient. Swinburne, however, remained a well-respected member of the engineering field.
Artifact
Transformer
Date Made
circa 1890
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.1333.251
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Rope
Wire
Color
Brown
Dimensions
Length: 20 in
Diameter: 7.5 in
Inscriptions
on plaque on end: SWINBURNE & CO PATENT/ P1000 V130 PPS/ S 50 V50 A/ NO 215
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