History credits Hungarian inventor Anyos István Jedlik for making the first electric model car in 1828. This was a fresh approach, because we usually we make models of real-life objects. Therefore, we have to credit him for having a huge imagination. But then, he was also an engineer, a physicist, and a Benedictine priest. Thus, Anyos Jedlik had the opportunity to view things from different perspectives.
Was Anyos Jedlik Really the Father of Dynamos and Motors?
Well somebody had to be, and Hungarians and Slovaks believe the cap fits him well. Anyos Jedlik born 1800 came from a noble family, and this guaranteed him a first class education. He joined the Benedictine Order of the Catholic Church when he was seventeen.
After he completed his education, Anyos taught school pupils and lectured students until he was seventy-three. Then he retired to a priory to spend his final twenty-two years in complete seclusion. His first scientific success came when he invented an electromagnetic rotating device in 1827. This still exists in working order, and has all the parts of a DC motor, namely stator, rotor, and commutator.
Legend has it, Anyos Jedlik had no idea what to do with his invention. And so, he used it to propel a model locomotive for fun instead. In 1861, he mentioned in correspondence he had invented a dynamo too at the time. If we have an electric motor, a dynamo to create electric current, and batteries then we have the basics for an electric car.
Anyos Jedlik demonstrated a device for increasing volts he called a tubular voltage generator in 1868. However, his greatest achievement was perhaps his single pole electric starter demonstrating dynamo self-excitation. In this device, both the stationery and rotating parts are electromagnetic. He was a prolific writer and publisher. Hence, we know more about him than many of his contemporaries.
Related
Build an Electric Motor From Next to Nothing
Preview Image: World’s First Electric Motor by Anyos Jedlik
1 Comment
Thanks for these nice pages. But it is big mistake there. Source… It is shame for great Hungary-Magyar nation if their historicians still appropriate famous citizens from other nationalities in multiethnic Austro-Hungarian kingdom as Hungarians. Stefan Anian Jedlik parents was born in SLOVAK region /right, near border/ and booth their parents was SLOVAK nationality. Because at these times wasnt available education in his own language /dont ask me why, pls/, he was study and work in Hungary and of course use their language. Sorry for my poor english, my cup of tea is historical radiotechnics and electrotechnics.