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Events on Wednesday 16 May 1888 1
1888Nikola Tesla patents the AC induction motorAlternating-current system challenges Edison's direct currentNikola Tesla was granted patents for his alternating-current induction motor and polyphase power system in May 1888, and presented the work to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. George Westinghouse licensed the patents shortly afterward, laying the groundwork for the AC power systems that eventually became the world standard. The invention set off the 'War of the Currents' with Thomas Edison's rival direct-current system.