Browse Exhibits (1 total)

This exhibit examines Caltech’s partnerships with the corporate world in developing electricity transmission to Los Angeles. It focused on the start of Caltech’s work on the transmission problem via the work of Professor Royal W. Sorensen, who founded Catech’s Electrical Engineering department in 1910 (Fox et al., 14). The exhibit traces Sorensen’s work on Eagle Rock and Kern substations as a consulting engineer for Pacific Light & Power, then examines the more large-scale collaboration of Caltech personnel with Southern California Edison in the construction of the High Voltage Laboratory and the subsequent research at the facility.

This exhibit demonstrates the strong and mutually beneficial partnership between Caltech and power companies and shows the important role of Caltech’s expertise in upgrading high voltage transmission lines and powering Los Angeles.

Sources:

Fox, Donna, et al. An Early History of the Caltech EE Department.