Duncan McDonald (electrical engineer)

Duncan McDonald (1882-1954) was a notable electrical engineer who made significant contributions to the development and implementation of long-distance power transmission and alternating current (AC) power systems in North America during the early 20th century.

McDonald was born in Scotland and emigrated to Canada. He played a crucial role in the design and construction of several large-scale hydroelectric power plants and transmission lines, particularly in the province of Manitoba. His expertise lay in the application of advanced engineering principles to overcome the challenges of transmitting electricity over vast distances, which was critical for the industrial and economic growth of the region.

He was actively involved in the professional engineering community, contributing to the advancement of standards and practices in the field. McDonald's work helped to establish the reliability and efficiency of AC power systems, which became the dominant form of electrical power distribution globally.

While specific published works or patents directly attributed solely to Duncan McDonald are difficult to pinpoint in modern databases, his contributions are documented in historical records of the power companies and engineering societies with which he was affiliated. His work is considered foundational to the development of the modern electrical grid in North America.