Chapter 85

Electricity has always been a concern for Yang Yuanzhao. From the 21st century, not bringing a generator over was the only regret. The application of electricity is very prominent in many areas. Fortunately, it is 1908, and the dawn of electricity has already illuminated the entire world. In the United States and Europe, electricity has begun to gradually enter households. In China at this time, electricity is also available.

As early as 1882, more than 20 years ago, the British established the Shanghai Electric Light Company in Shanghai. From the early arc lamps to the later neon lights, the lights almost illuminated Shanghai's nights. Shanghai's nightlife also began to become increasingly mysterious and enchanting.

Last month, when Yang Yuanzhao went to Shanghai, he came into contact with Shanghai's electricity. Under the introduction of Habbi, he visited the power plant and the electric light company in Shanghai under the guise of learning. He replicated Shanghai's generator, which had a small power output. Compared to the ordinary diesel generators of the future, it was not as powerful, and it was direct current (DC). However, it solved the problem of having electricity, making it possible for him to use it.

DC is the mainstream of this era, although alternating current (AC) has already been invented by the great inventor Tesla. Unfortunately, at this time, he is just an ordinary engineer. Facing the established interests of DC proponents like Edison, his invention of AC faces difficulties in promotion and even the threat of suppression. This is probably the most difficult time for him.

Baotou needs more scientists. This time, raising funds from Shanghai, even in very difficult circumstances, buying black stone, and using the all-in-one machine to extract pure tungsten powder, was all to raise more funds. Part of these funds will be used to send overseas students, part will be used to introduce advanced equipment, but more will be used to recruit personnel.

China has already fallen behind in this era, especially in technological development. Today, China lags behind the world in many technological aspects.

Yang Yuanzhao, coming from the future, understands many directions of technological development. However, the weak China temporarily lacks the ability for basic research, which must be introduced from abroad.

Silently, he added Tesla's name to the invitation list and tried to recall the inventors who were not yet famous in this era. In the end, he could only remember a few names. Given the distant history, it would be better to have Habbi invite them, as it is just a transitional period.

His thoughts returned to the house renovation. Converting DC to AC is not difficult. The charger for the phone he brought from the future converts AC to DC. After a bit of research, reversing this process and increasing the capacitor voltage, he managed to produce about 220 volts of AC. He then calculated the power consumption of the entire house. Air conditioners and refrigerators are major power consumers, and summer is approaching. This voltage must be guaranteed. Fortunately, with the all-in-one machine, he can increase the capacity of the generator. After all, this is ordinary residential electricity, and a bit more consumption is not a problem. He does not plan to popularize electricity in Baotou for now; that is a matter for the future, perhaps after recruiting Tesla.

The AC-DC converter, after several experiments, was made to support the entire house. The air conditioner has a dedicated line and a dedicated generator to supply power. After completing all this, he focused on the interior design, laying wires, lights, and sockets in different parts of the house. Most of these items were brought from the future, and with the help of the all-in-one machine, they were replicated.

The next morning, Yang Yuanzhao began the wiring work. The wires were ready, and he found a few craftsmen and servants. The incentive measures and abundant meals from the previous day boosted their enthusiasm. Yang Yuanzhao supervised each room, ensuring that the wires and sockets were properly installed. The three-section courtyard, including the residential area and the servants' quarters, has over 25 rooms. Just the wires alone used several thousand meters. To avoid rework and for aesthetics, Yang Yuanzhao left seven or eight outlets in each room. He cannot install air conditioners in every room due to power limitations, but fans are possible.

The all-in-one machine also brought a living room fan, though only half of it. The most complete motor and controller were transmitted. Using this, Yang Yuanzhao managed to make ceiling fans and floor fans. For this era, where the summer temperatures are relatively lower than in the future, the fans are sufficient. The automatic breeze will make the hot weather much more comfortable.

The generator was placed 500 meters away. His house is not far from the town, and 500 meters away is a field. After purchasing an acre of land, he built a brick house, which serves as the power plant. Currently, it houses five generators, producing about 3600 kilowatts of electricity per day.

3600 kilowatts may seem like a lot, but in terms of the kilowatt-hours commonly used in the future, one kilowatt-hour equals one unit of electricity. With 24 hours in a day, the daily electricity production is about 150 units, enough to power a dozen fans, several energy-saving lamps, two air conditioners, and a refrigerator.

In this era, the installed capacity of power plants is not large. The million or even ten million kilowatt thermal power plants and the famous Three Gorges Dam of the future are just myths in 1908. However, Yang Yuanzhao replicated the 18,000 horsepower cruiser engine, the largest steam engine he could find, to use as the generator's power source. The overall power output will reach a satisfactory level, but this requires a power expert to modify it.

Yang Yuanzhao is very clear that the most suitable for power generation is the steam turbine, which has a much higher thermal efficiency than a steam engine. If combined with turbocharging, the thermal efficiency will be several times higher than that of an ordinary steam engine. Yang Yuanzhao knows some theories about turbine engines and turbocharging, but materials are a key issue. Even with the all-in-one machine, the materials he can use are mostly collected from the BMW 999 engine, which do not perfectly match the performance indicators of large turbochargers. In a hurry, it is better to use the mature steam engine, which has been tested in actual combat and over several decades.

By mid-May, the weather in Baotou had already become hot. After a day of hard work, almost everyone was drenched in sweat. In the dedicated bathhouse, hot water was available without the need to boil or carry it. Among the servants, Yang Yuanzhao had already gained a high status. The specially made stove, with its good sealing, not only boiled water but also had a high thermal efficiency, greatly saving coal. This was another focus of their discussions.

At night, it was a moonless and cloudy evening. By 7 PM, it was completely dark. Under the leadership of Sun Fusheng, the servants turned on the lights in the courtyard. In the pitch-black night, the lights were particularly brilliant. Yang Yuanzhao did not skimp on electricity and lit up the entire courtyard, especially the front, where several 100-watt energy-saving lamps made the courtyard as bright as daylight.

Sun Fusheng and the other servants were numb. This master is not simple. The bright nights and the automatic fans amazed the young servants, who almost couldn't sleep all night. They were all studying why the fans turned. Yang Yuanzhao repeatedly warned them not to touch the sockets or the fan blades, but sitting in front of the fans and feeling the gentle breeze, discussing the principles of the fans, was acceptable.

There were various opinions, some saying it was magic, others saying it was a Western gadget, and still others saying it was an auspicious sign. However, one thing was universally acknowledged: they had come to the right place. Where else would ordinary servants be treated so well? Unconsciously, their hearts were drawn together.

After the electricity was connected, Yang Yuanzhao's house was quickly completed. At this time, the Baokeng Company also welcomed a new round of busyness. The day for transplanting cotton had finally arrived.