Biography Pavel Yablochkov

yablochkov s demonstration of brilliant arc lights @ 1878 paris exposition along avenue de l opéra triggered steep sell off of gas utility stocks

yablochkov’s major invention first model of arc lamp eliminated mechanical complexity of competing lights required regulator manage voltaic arc. went paris same year built industrial sample of electric candle (french patent № 112024, 1876). in paris developed arc light idea complete system of electric lighting powered zénobe gramme direct current dynamos fitted inverter supply single-phase alternating current. first public use of yablochkov system in october 1877 @ halle marengo of magasins du louvre lit 6 yablochkov candles. 1880, system had grown in size 120 lamps 84 lit @ time powered 100-horsepower steam engine , had been operating every night 2 , 1 half years.

the paris exposition of 1878 presented yablochkov unique opportunity make spectacular demonstration world audience, , through promotional efforts of gramme successful in having 64 of arc lights installed along half mile (0.8 km) length of avenue de l opéra, place du théâtre français (today place andré-malraux) , around place de l opéra. first lit in february 1878. yablochkov candles required high voltage, , not long before experimenters reported arc lights powered on 7-mile (11 km) circuit. yablochkov candles superior lontin-serrin regulator arc lights each required separate gramme generator. beginning in 1880, paris hippodrome s 20 serrin lights powered 20 generators replaced 68 additional yablochkov candles, based on 2 years of positive experience 60 candles powered 3 generators. impact of 1878 paris demonstration depression in value of gas company shares did not recover until 1880. french, english, , american businessmen set companies licensing yablochkov s patents.

as part of arc lighting patents, yablochkov described method of employing michael faraday s discovery of induction create continuous current of higher voltage, primary windings connected source of alternating current , secondary windings connected several electric candles . although not recognized @ time, yablochkov s idea of using transformers provide different voltages same ac line model modern transmission , distribution systems settle on. patent said such system allowed provide separate supply several lighting fixtures different luminous intensities single source of electric power . in 1879, yablochkov established “electric lighting company, p.n. yablochkov inventor , co” , electrical plant in petersburg later produce illuminators military vessels , factories. there considerable international competition arc lights. lasted 1 , half hours whereas of charles f. brush lasted twice long.

from mid-1880s, yablochkov occupied himself problems of generating electric energy. constructed so-called “magnet dynamo electric machine”, had of features of modern inductor. yablochkov did extensive research on transformation of fuel energy electric energy, suggested galvanic cell alkaline electrolyte, , created regenerative cell (the so-called autoaccumulator).

yablochkov participated in electrical engineering exhibitions in russia (1880 , 1882), paris (1881 , 1889), , first international congress of electricians (1881).