During class last week, Professor Tom Vale gave a demonstration on a few very intriguing engines. These machines, all of which not made in this century, gave a window into how the world thought and operated before this age of technology. It was interesting and unexpected to see how complex and creative these inventions are. Many of the inventions shown are so intricate they are impossible to replicate even using all the technology available today.
The first demo being the Mendocino Solar Power Motor. This machines uses light from the sun to get energy to operate. When the light source hits the motor creating a magnetic field, it travels through the coil and causes the rotation of the object. Each side has it’s own set of solar panels so the process can continue even as the motor continues to rotate.
Tom Vales also showed the Stirling generator. This generator used the steam from a cup of hot water to create movement in the machine. This particular invention was not very efficient as it was based of the steam engine. It was also very dangerous to use back then, causing damage and injury.
One of my favorite parts of the demo was the Tesla Coil. This was a machine that was very complex and led to the development of wireless energy. Traveling up from a metal nail, current moves through a coil and wirelessly transfers electricity. This was interesting because you could see and hear the current. Putting a light bulb near the current causes it to glow without touching the coil. This machine uses an induction coil that produces high-frequency alternating currents.
Tom Vales presentation was very interesting and informative.