Energy Hall’s Machinery – 10

This small late-19th century engine was made by the French manufacturer Fabius Henrion, Nancy. It is not known what steps preceded the engine’s arrival in Finland. However, it was donated by the Helsinki School of Technology to the museum’s collections in 1972.

Fabius Henrion of Nancy was a lighting and electrical equipment manufacturer. This DC motor is a good representation of the technology level at the time in terms of line of equipment. DC motors convert electrical energy, or direct current, to mechanical energy. As with many DC motors at the time, this device operated on 110 volts, and it was the amount required to operate lighting equipment in factories and such. DC motors had their shortcomings, particularly in electrical transmission. Fabius Henrion of Nancy did try to overcome that problem by investing in electrographite brushes to improve conductivity overall. Electrographite brushes are still used in electric motors to this day. Eventually the introduction of AC (alternating currents) provided a better solution and became more common as electric technology progressed.