Printed below portrait on original print - (b) Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti (1864 – 1930) (Photo: Institution of Electrical Engineers)
Photo of print used for exhibition purposes – historical persons in the development of electricity & electrical engineering. Possibly reproduced by Mr J.F. Bryce.
Wrapped in tissue paper.
Mr Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti (b.1864 – d.1930) 1 B&W photo print
After college assisted Sir Willam Siemens (Karl Wilhelm Siemens) in experiments with electric furnaces & dynamos. Age 18 patented an alternator (that was later found to have been anticipated by Sir William Thomson [later Lord Kelvin]), the device was noted for its compactness and for its capacity to produce 5 times more power than any other machine of its size. 1886 appointed engineer for Grosvenor Gallery Electric Supply Corporation, which under his direction grew into one of the world’s largest generating companies. 1887 promoting the location of power stations away from the centre of cities, he designed the Deptford Power Station outside London, the largest station of its time. Ferranti believed that satisfactory development of electric power hinged on generation in quantity & transmitting it at high-voltage as alternating current with minimal losses (as opposed to the use of Direct Current with its higher losses, proposed by R.E.B. Crompton), then to break down the voltage to consumers’ requirements at local sub-stations and transformers. Thus he correctly anticipated the modern “grid” system of electrical power generation, distribution & consumption that would eventually be used around the world.
Photo of print used for exhibition purposes – historical persons in the development of electricity & electrical engineering. Possibly reproduced by Mr J.F. Bryce.
Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”
