Improvements in and relating to the Transformation and Distribution of Electric Energy and Appliances therefor.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Dec., 1886
Complete Left, 9th Sept., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 11th Oct., 1887
Improvements in and relating to the Transformation and Distribution
of Electric Energy and Appliances therefor.
.
We, ROBERT DICK, Manufacturer, and RANKIN KENNEDY, Electrical Engineer,
both of the Electric Lamp Works, 115 Woodside Road, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, do
hereby declare the nature of our invention to be as follows:-
Secondary generators employed for the transformation of alternating currents of
electricity from currents of high potential and small volume to currents of low
potential and large volume or vice versa, are not self-regulating as presently
constructed, and no definite plan or method of constructing them with a view to
perfect self-regulation has hitherto been described or put in practice.
It is known however that secondary generators, as constructed on well-known
methods, are nearly self-regulating, especially when located in the main supply circuit
in parallel or multiple arc.
To clearly understand why secondary generators as presently constructed are not
entirely self-regulating and in what method we construct, according to our invention,
secondary generators which are self-regulating, and at same time secure a higher
efficiency, we shall here state clearly the action of all secondary generators of
alternating currents at present in use. An efficient secondary generator consists
of three essential organs or active parts: first, a conductor, called the primary
conductor, connected to and supplied with electric energy from a source of alternating
electric currents: second, another conductor placed near to and parallel with the
primary conductor, and called the secondary conductor, in this secondary conductor
electric energy is generated by induction from the electric energy in the primary
conductor: third, an iron magnetic portion which forms a highly conducting path
for the magnetic lines of force generated round about the two conductors and by the
electric currents flowing in them.
In reference to these conductors it may be stated that the potential of primary
current induces a potential in the secondary conductor proportionate to their relative
lengths; that is, if we wish to obtain in the secondary conductor a potential of
100 volts with a given primary potential of 1000 volts, we would employ for the

page_text: primary conductor a wire 10 times longer than the secondary wire conductor. On
the other hand if we use the secondary transformer to raise the potential from 100 volts
in primary to 1000 volts in secondary wire conductor, we would employ a wire for
secondary conductor 10 times longer than that used for the primary.. The cross
section of wires of the primary and secondary conductors is made of sufficient
magnitude to transmit the current through each of them respectively without undue
loss of energy or heating of the wires.
These three organs, the primary and secondary conductors and their iron magnetic
portion, may be found in all alternating current transformers, the two conductors
being usually in the form of coils of wire of many turns surrounding an iron core, or
surrounded by an iron sheathing. The efficiency of the arrangement depends upon
the amount of mutual induction between the two conductors, and the amount of
the mutual induction is greatly increased by the inagnetic iron portion organ of the
transformer, and if this organ forms an easy path or closed magnetic circuit round
the conductors, the mutual induction becomes a maximum.
But besides the mutual induction existing between the two conductors, there
exists an inductive effect known to electricians as self-induction, the mutual induction
becoming a self-induction of each circuit on itself; that is, the primary conductor
besides inducing electric energy in the secondary conductor induces electric energy
in itself, and thus self-induced electric energy opposes the primary electric energy;
and the same effect takes place in the secondary conductor, the self-induced electric
energy opposes the secondary currents of electric energy in the secondary conductor.
These self-induction effects are like the mutual induction dependent on the
construction of the secondary generator and particularly on the disposition and
construction of the magnetic organ of the generator. This self-induction has been
considered detrimental, and attempts have therefore been made to construct coils
and magnetic organs of secondary generators in such a way as to reduce the self-
induction to a minimum and to increase the mutual induction to a maximum.
By our invention we so construct our secondary generators that the self-induction
shall be a maximum, and that thus self-induction shall be useful and effective in
rendering the secondary generator so constructed self-regulating.
In the Provisional Specification accompanying our former Application for Patent
No. 12,531 October 2 1886, we described a secondary generator of alternating currents
as consisting of a cable or rope of copper wires, which may be of round, flat, or other
section insulated from each other and enclosed in an iron magnetic sheathing. One
or more of the wires are employed as a primary conductor, the others as the secondary
conductor. The mutual induction and the self-induction of the conductors are here
at a maximum, as we have found that to obtain a maximum of self and mutual
induction, the conductors throughout their length must lie parallel and as near as
possible at a uniform distance apart from each other, and froin the iron organ of the
generator, and both conductors symmetrically placed within or adjacent to the iron
magnetic organ of the secondary generator. In generators as hitherto made in the
form of coils and rings and cables wound on cores of iron, a large portion of the
conductors is much further from the iron organ of the generator than the other
portions, and hence the inductive actions cannot be a maximum and are irregular
throughout the length of the conductors.
To obtain the maximum self and mutual induction in secondary generators for the
purpose of self-regulation, the conductors are wound, according to our invention, in
numerous small sections each of a few turns and each section with an independent
short magnetic circuit, so that they lie nearly equally close to the iron coro and
sheathing throughout their length.
According to one arrangement of our present improvements, the central iron core
portion or organ of the secondary generator of alternating currents is constructed of
thin sheet iron annular disc rings, having projecting or radial teeth formed round
their outer circumferential edges or surfaces, and having a hole in the centre forming
them into rings or might be hollow polygonal forms. These thin discs or rings are
built together with some slight insulating material, such as paper, between them, to

page_text: form an annular armature, the spaces between the teeth forming channels on the outer
and inner surface for the purpose of retaining the two conductors, precisely similar
to what is done in the well known armature for dynamo-electric machines known as
the Pacinotti armature, and also in the drum winding common to the dynamos of
Weston and others. In the channels or spaces between the projecting teeth, the
primary and secondary conductors are wound or laid side by side, or one over the other
in sections. The sections of the primary conductor are connected together so that
when the primary current flows, the iron teeth form magnetic poles alternately of
north and south polarity all round the circumference of the ring discs; and the
secondary sections of wire may be connected in series or in parallel order as may be
found necessary for the purpose. Finally an outer sheath of iron wire is wound over
the outer periphery of the drum or discs, so as to enclose the whole and form a magnetic
shell. In another form the ring would be made of iron wire or plates without teeth,
and the two conductors wound in sections over each other, or side by side, and enclosed
within an iron sheathing as in the other arrangement. In this construction, the
magnetic poles are formed on the ring itself between the wire sections.
By another arrangement of our improvements the iron core organ or portion of the
secondary generator is constructed of iron plates having teeth formed on two edges
or sides; and these plates are built together to form a block with numerous long
narrow channels or spaces on both edges. Into these channels are wound or laid the
two conducting copper wires in sections, either side by side, or the one over the other ;
and the primary sections are wound and connected so that the projecting teeth between
the channels form north and south poles alternately when a current flows in it; and
the secondary sections are connected up as suitable for the work to be done. Finally,
this block, with the two conductors in the channels, is laid between two blocks of iron
formed of thin iron plates built together preferably on edge with some insulation
between them.
To form large secondary generators or transformers in accordance with the
arrangement last described of this invention, we pile a number of the flat magnetic
blocks with their coiled transformers, one upon the other, with coil opposite coil and
tooth opposite tooth, and with poles of opposite polarity facing each other, with a block
or enclosing sheathing formed of iron plates on top and bottom of the whole pile.
In these forms of secondary generators the conductors are throughout their whole
length nearly equally close to the iron portion, and the path of the lines of force
through the iron portion is of a very small resistance, being very short, consequently
we obtain a maximum of mutual induction and a maximum of self-induction.
The maximum of mutual induction between primary and secondary conductors is
obtained when the full load or work for which the secondary generator is constructed
is being performed by the secondary currents. The maximum of self induction in
the primary conductor is obtained when no work is being done in the secondary
circuit; and thus we get self-regulation in our transformers when no work is being
done in the secondary circuit. The self-induction in the primary conductor is so great
that it is able to set up a counter or opposing electro-motive force to the primary
electro-motive force nearly equal thereto, and therefore automatically stops the inflow
of electric energy. As work is put on the secondary circuit by placing lamps or other
translating devices in parallel connection therewith, the self induction is reduced, and
a corresponding inflow of energy takes place in the primary; a corresponding increase
in mutual induction follows, and thus the supply is regulated to meet the demand.
Dated this 10th day of December 1886.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to the Transformation and Distribution
of Electric Energy and Appliances therefor.
We, ROBERT DICK, Manufacturer and RANKIN KENNEDY, Electrical Engineer,
both of the Electric Lamp Works, 115 Woodside Road, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, do
hereby declare the nature of our Invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement
in writing, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the reference
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:
Secondary generators employed for the transformation of alternating currents of
electricity from currents of high potential and small volume to currents of low
potential and large volume, or vice versa, are not self regulating as presently
constructed, and no definite plan or method of constructing them with a view to
perfect self-regulation has hitherto been described or put in practice.
It is known however that secondary generators as constructed on well-known
methods, are nearly self-regulating, especially when located in the main supply
circuit in parallel or multiple arc.
To clearly understand why secondary generators as presently constructed are not
entirely self-regulating, and in what method we construct, according to our invention,
secondary generators which are self-regulating, and at same time secure a higher
efficiency, we shall here state clearly the action of all secondary generators of
alternating currents heretofore in use. An efficient secondary generator consists of
three essential organs or active parts: first, a conductor, called the primary
conductor, connected to and supplied with electric energy from a source of alternating
electric currents: second, another conductor placed near to and parallel with the
primary conductor, and called the secondary, in this secondary conductor electric
energy is generated by induction from the electric energy in the primary conductor:
third, an iron magnetic portion which forms a highly conducting path for the magnetic
lines of force generated round about the two conductors and by the electric currents
flowing in them.
On
In reference to these conductors it may be stated that the potential of primary
conductor induces a potential in the secondary conductor proportionate to their
relative lengths; that is if we wish to obtain in the secondary conductor a potential
of 100 volts with a given primary potential of 1000 volts, we would employ for the
primary conductor a wire 10 times longer than the secondary wire conductor.
the other hand if we use the secondary transformer to raise the potential from 100
volts in primary to 1000 volts in secondary wire conductor, we would employ a wire
for secondary conductor 10 times longer than that used for the primary.
The cross
section of wires of the primary and secondary conductors is made of sufficient
magnitude to transmit currents through each of them respectively, without undue loss
of energy or heating of the wires.

page_text: These three organs, the primary and secondary conductors and their iron magnetic
portion, may be found in all alternating current transformers, the two conductors
being usually in the form of coils of wire of many turns surrounding an iron core, or
surrounded by an iron sheathing. The efficiency of the arrangement depends upon
the amount of mutual induction between the two conductors, and the amount of the
mutual induction is greatly increased by the magnetic iron portion organ of the
transformer, and if this organ forms an easy path or closed magnetic circuit round
the conductors, the mutual induction becomes a maximum.
But besides the mutual induction existing between the two conductors, there exists
an inductive effect known to Electricians as self-induction, the mutual induction
becoming a self-induction of each circuit on itself; that is, the primary conductor
besides inducing electric energy in the secondary conductor induces electric energy in
itself, and this self-induced electric energy opposes the primary electric energy; and
the same effect takes place in the secondary conductor, the self-induced electric energy
opposes the secondary currents of electric energy in the secondary conductor.
These self-induction effects are like the mutual induction dependent on the
construction of the secondary generator and particularly on the disposition and
construction of the magnetic organ portion of the generator. This self-induction has
been considered detrimental, and attempts have therefore been made to construct coils
and magnetic organs of secondary generators in such a way as to reduce the self-
induction to a minimum and to increase the mutual induction to a maximum.
By our invention we so construct our secondary generators that the self-induction
shall be a maximum, and that this self-induction shall be useful and effective in
rendering the secondary generator so constructed, self-regulating.
In generators hitherto made in the form of coils and rings, and cables wound on
cores of iron, a large portion of the conductor is much further from the iron organ
portion of the generator than the other portions and hence the inductive actions cannot
be a maximum and are irregular throughout the lengths of the conductors.
To obtain the maximum self and mutual induction in secondary generators for the
purpose of self regulation the conductors are wound according to our invention, in
numerous short lengths or small sections, each of a few turns, and each section with
an independent short magnetic circuit, so that they lie nearly equally close to the iron
core and sheathing throughout their length; and each division of the magnetic iron
organ portion with its sections of primary and secondary conductors thus forms an
independent small secondary generator; and these small secondary generators are
coupled up to form one large secondary transformer. The mutual induction and the
self-induction of the conductors are here at a maximum, as we have found that to
obtain a maximum of self and mutual induction, the conductors throughout their
lengths inust lie parallel and as near as possible at a uniform distance apart from each
other, and from the iron organ of the generator and both conductors symmetrically
placed within or adjacent to the iron magnetic organ portions of the secondary
generator.
And in order that our said invention, and the manner of performing or carrying
the same into effect or practice may be properly understood, we hereunto append an
explanatory sheet of Drawings, in which the same reference letters are used to
indicate corresponding parts in all the Figures where shown.
Figures 1 and 2 are end and side elevations respectively, both partly in section, of
a disc or ring form of secondary generator or transformer of alternating currents,
constructed in accordance with the improvements of our invention. Figures 3 and 4
are corresponding end and side elevations, of a slightly modified construction of
secondary generator from that shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figures 5 and 6 are an
end view partly in section and a plan respectively of a flat plate form of secondary
generator of alternating currents, constructed in accordance with the improvements
of our invention. Figure 7 is an end view partly in section of a duplication of the
secondary generator shown in Figures 5 and 6, that is, one laid on the top of another ;
but any number may be so piled or arranged over each other to form one large
transformer.

page_text: Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the Drawings. According to this arrangement of
our improvements, the central iron ring core portion or organ A of the secondary
generator of alternating currents, is constructed of soft thin sheet iron annular disc
rings, having projecting or radial teeth N and $ formed round their outer
circumferential edges or surfaces, but they might also be formed on the inner
circumference, although not so shown in the Drawings, and have a hole or large
eye A¹ in the centre forming them into rings, which might be filled with a core of
soft iron, or these rings A might be of hollow polygonal forms, although not so shown
in the Drawings. These thin discs or rings are insulated by a coating of non-
conducting varnish, or with some slight insulating material, such as paper, between
them, and are built together, as shown at A A in Figure 2, to form an annular
armature; the spaces between the teeth N and S forming channels on the outer, or
it might be also on the inner, periphery when desired, for the purpose of retaining
the wires of the two conductors a a', each channel forming an independent magnetic
organ, for and with its two conductors a a². In the channels or spaces formed
between the projecting teeth N and S, the primary and secondary conductors a, a, are
wound or laid side by side in sections as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or one over the
other in sections, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. When a current of high potential is
to be reduced to low potential, the sections of the primary conductors a have their
terminal ends (as shown at a³) connected together, so that when the primary current
flows, the iron teeth form magnetic poles alternately of north and south polarity,
indicated at N and S respectively in the Drawings, all round the circumference of the
ring discs A; and the terminal ends (shown at a³) of the secondary sections of
wire a¹ may be connected in series or in parallel order as may be found necessary for
the purpose to which they are to be applied. Finally, an outer sheathing of iron
wire b is wound over the outer periphery of the drum or discs A, so wound with the
primary and secondary conductors a, a', so as to enclose the whole and form a
magnetic shell. In the modification or arrangement shown in Figures 3 and
ring A is made of iron wire or plates without teeth, and the two conductors a a¹ are
wound in sections over each other, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, or it might be side
by side, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and enclosed within an iron sheathing b, as in
the other arrangement. In this construction, the magnetic poles N and S are formed
on the ring itself between the wire sections a, a¹.
the
In the arrangement of our improvements, shown in Figures 5 and 6, the iron
magnetic core organ or portion A of the secondary generator, is constructed of iron
plates, having teeth N and S formed on two opposite edges or sides; and these
plates A are built together, with thin paper or other insulating material between them,
or having each plate coated with such, to form a block with numerous long narrow
channels or spaces on both edges right across the whole block, as indicated at A, A,
in Figure 6. Into these channels are wound or laid the primary and secondary
insulated conducting copper wires a a¹ in short sections, either side by side as shown,
or it might be the one over the other; and the primary sections a are wound and
have their terminal ends a connected so that the projecting teeth N and S between
the channels form north and south poles alternately when a current flows in it; and
the terminal ends a³ of the secondary sections a' are connected up in parallel or series
order suitable for the work to be done. Finally, this block A, with the two
conductors a, a¹, in the channels, is laid between two blocks of iron b³ formed of. thin
soft iron plates built and secured together on edge in the same direction as the
plates A, A, with thin paper or other insulation between each of them.
To form large secondary generators or transformers in accordance with the
arrangement last described of this invention, we pile two, three, or more of the flat
magnetic blocks A, with their coiled transformers, one upon the other, as shown in
Figure 7, with coil a and a¹ opposite coil a and a¹, respectively, and tooth opposite
tooth, and with poles of opposite polarity N and S facing each other S and N, with a
block or enclosing sheathing 6 formed of iron plates on top and bottom of the whole
pile, as shown particularly in Figure 7.
The most efficient method of winding the two conductors a a' of these new

page_text: transformers of alternating currents would be to have one turn of primary wire a,
and ten turns of secondary wire a', in each section, for a transformer to raise a low
potential current to ten times its intensity; and vice versa have one turn of secondary
wire al and ten turns of primary wire a when the potential has to be reduced in these
transformers from the higher to the lower potential and as illustrated in the Drawings
Figures 5 to 7.
In these forms of secondary generators, the conductors a and a¹ are throughout
their whole length nearly equally close to the iron core portion A, and the iron
sheathing 1, 2, and the path of the lines of force through these iron portions is of a
very small resistance, being very short, consequently we obtain a maximum of mutual
induction and a maximum of self-induction.
The maximum of mutual induction between primary and secondary conductors a a¹
is obtained when the full load or work for which the secondary generator is constructed
is being performed by the secondary currents. The maximum of self-induction in
the primary conductor a is obtained when no work is being done in the secondary
circuit a¹; and thus we get self regulation in our transformers when the work is
being done in the secondary circuit a. The self-induction in the primary conductor a
is so great that it able to set up a counter or opposing electro-motive force to the
primary electro-motive force, nearly equal thereto, and therefore automatically stops
the inflow of electric energy from the main conductor. As work is put on the
secondary circuit a by placing lamps or other translating devices in parallel
connection therewith, the self-induction is reduced, and a corresponding inflow of
energy takes place in the primary conductor a; a corresponding increase in
mutual induction follows, and thus the supply is regulated to meet the demand
within certain limits; beyond these limits we obtain a supply to meet the demand
by connecting together any number of the small generators. The small generators
can be grouped together. in many ways known to Electricians, as cells of electric
batteries are grouped for the various purposes to which the currents are applied.
It is to be understood that these transformers of alternating currents of electric
energy, although described as secondary generators, may also be used as main
transformers when placed between the dynamo-electric machines and the main
conductors for transforming currents of low potential into currents of high potential
in the main lines by having the primary conductor as a short wire and the secondary
conductor as a long wire.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is :—
First. The constructing of secondary generators or transformers of alternating
currents of electric energy so as to be self-regulating by the mutual and self-induction
of the primary and secondary conductors, substantially as herein set forth.
Second. In secondary generators or transformers of alternating currents of electric
energy, the arranging of the primary and secondary conductors a, a', through
their whole length, nearly equally close to the iron core portion A and the iron
sheathing bb, so as to obtain a maximum of mutual induction between these
conductors a a¹ when the full load or work is being performed by the secondary
currents, and a maximum of self-induction in the primary conductor a when no
work is being done in the secondary circuit a¹, and thus make said transformers
self regulating when work is being done in the secondary circuit, substantially as
herein set forth.
Third. In secondary generators or transformers of alternating currents of electric
energy, the forming of the magnetic iron organ portion A into a number of
separate channels forming complete magnetic circuits, into which are wound the
primary and secondary conductors a, a¹, in short sections, either side by side, or
one over the other, so that each division of the magnetic iron organ portion A,
with its sections of primary and secondary conductors a a', forms an independent
small secondary generator, any number of which may be connected up to form a
generator or transformer, substantially as herein set forth,

page_text: Fourth. The constructing of secondary generators or transformers of alternating
currents of electric energy, of sheet iron annular disc rings or polygonal plates A
built together with insulating material between them, and having projecting or
radial teeth formed round their circumferential edges or surfaces, to form magnetic
poles alternately of north and south polarity, the spaces between the teeth forming
channels to receive the. sections of the primary and secondary conductors a a¹ the
whole being enclosed within an outer sheathing of iron wire 6 wound round the outer
periphery to form a magnetic shell, substantially as herein set forth and illustrated in
Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying Drawings.
Fifth. The constructing of secondary generators or transformers of alternating
currents of electric energy, of annular disc wire rings or thin iron plates A, with the
primary and secondary conductors a a¹ wound over them in sections, either one over
the other or side by side, and the whole enclosed within an outer sheathing of iron
wire b, all substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and illustrated by
Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The constructing of secondary generators or transformers of alternating
currents of electric, energy of thin iron plates A built together with insulating
material between them to form a block, and having projecting teeth to form magnetic
poles of north and south polarity on both their edges with channels between the teeth
to receive the sections of the primary and secondary conductors a a¹; the whole being
enclosed between two flat blocks of iron plates 6 secured together on edge with
insulating material between then, all substantially as herein set forth, and illustrated
in Figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying Drawings.
Seventh. The piling or laying of two or more flat magnetic blocks A with their
coiled transformers a, a', within them, laid one upon the other, with coil opposite coil
and tooth opposite tooth, and with poles of opposite polarity facing each other, with
an enclosing sheathing formed of iron plates 6 on top and bottom of the whole pile,
so as to form one large transformer of alternating currents of electric energy,
substantially as herein set forth and illustrated in Figure 7 of the accompanying
Drawings.