With the end of Black History almost in sight, I decided it would be nice to do a short profile on three African-Americans who have made impactful contributions to energy efficiency and conservation. There have been several fascinating inventors who have made devices that allow people to be more efficient in their use of electricity, train travel, and railroad lines. Let’s examine these inventors and why they are vital to the history of energy efficiency.
Granville T. Woods
This inventor was known as “Black Edison” because of his many inventions including the development of the telephone. Granville T. Woods’s railroad engineering background has led him to invent overhead electric railroad lines. Woods invented the troller, which is the grooved metal wheel allowing trolleys to collect electric power from overhead wires. In 1889, he filed his first patent for an improved steam boiler furnace. He did this after setting up his own company to develop, manufacture, and sell electrical apparatus.
Lewis Howard Latimer
Another inventor whom helped in creating the longer-lasting lightbulb. Lewis Howard Latimer was an inventor and engineer who helped patent the light bulb and the telephone. He also designed several other inventions such as an early air conditioning unit. Latimer’s deep knowledge of electrical engineering and patents made him a strong partner of American inventor Thomas Edison.
Elijah McCoy
Elijah McCoy was a 19th-century inventor who invented a lubrication device to keep steam engines moving. He trained as an engineer in Scotland as a teenager. But it wasn’t until he accepted a position as a fireman and oiler for the Michigan Central Railroad, he started developing his first major inventions. He invented a lubricating cup that distributed oil evenly over the engine’s moving parts. This lubricating cup allowed trains to run continuously for long periods.
Those were three inventors who made a significant impact on the field of energy efficiency. If you have a Black History fact or story you like to share, feel free to share in the comments section below. As always, be sure to share or like this story with someone you know.
