Farmer Wind-Electric Generator Model

Farmer Wind-Electric Generator Model

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Description
Three solid wind wheels drive the armatures of three dynamos, which are in circuit with a small storage battery, an incandescent electric lamp, and switches. This model, constructed by Moses G. Farmer, electrical pioneer, about 1880, is one of the earliest suggestions of the use of wind power through the medium of the electric generator and storage battery.
Much of the objection to the use of the windmill as a source of power was due to the intermittent nature of its operation. It was thought that it was suited only for pumping water or similar operations where the energy or work produced by the windmill could be stored during periods of useful wind velocities to be used as needed.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
wind generator
Generator, Wind
date made
ca 1882
maker
Farmer, Moses G.
place made
United States: Massachusetts
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall - from catalog card: 19 in x 8 in; x 48.26 cm x 20.32 cm
overall: 8 7/8 in x 18 3/4 in x 8 1/8 in; 22.5425 cm x 47.625 cm x 20.6375 cm
ID Number
MC.181985
catalog number
181985
accession number
2015.0173
Credit Line
from Sarah J. Farmer
See more items in
Work and Industry: Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Engineering, Building, and Architecture
Work
Industry & Manufacturing
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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