https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury-arc_valve

This is like my new favourite thing for several reasons:

-The utterly cool and maximum german name of this thing (in english it's "mercury-arc rectifier")

-It's the first rectifier to not use moving parts (it is inefficient as fuck tho)

-It's glowing fucking BLUE and emits a shitton of UV rays

-But most importantly: It is the MOST STEAMPUNK SHIT I HAVE SEEN LIKE EVER, like what the fuck even is that thing?

Okay, I'm done... had to express my astonishment... thanks for looking, have a nice evening :D

Reposted from noxeo via smoke11