Re: 50hz vs 60hz for generation and transmission

Scott A Crosby <scrosby@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
news:oydlkzognf4.fsf@xxxxxxxxxxx:

> On Wed, 16 Nov 2005 16:31:52 -0600, Damon Hill
> <damonunoseisuno@xxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
>
>> I don't know of >any< systems running higher than 60 Hz, but three
>> phase distribution could be said to run at 180 Hz, depending on how
>> you look at the issue. One might think that an arbitrary choice
>> of say, 1000 Hz, might simplify some things, but other issues arise
>> that I have difficulty understanding myself, let alone try to
>> explain.
>
> I suspect one motivator is a 60hz hum. If we used a higher frequency,
> we would enjoy a much more annoying 300hz groan, a 1000hz whine or a
> 5000hz scream.
>
> You want a frequency either above human hearing or below human
> hearing.

Alas, I believe 5000 Hz >is< above my hearing...when I was a kid I
could hear bats squeak.

There >IS< one power system at a higher frequency that I'd forgotten
about: aircraft AC power typically used to run at 400 Hz. No telling
what they do these days on aircraft.

--Damon, with tin ears

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