Generator
Electric generator
This article is about electromagnetic power generation. For electrostatic generators like the Van de Graaff machine, see Electrostatic generator.
U.S. NRC image of a modern steam turbine generator (STG).
In electricity generation, a generator[1] is a device that converts motive power into electrical power for use in an external circuit. Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines and even hand cranks. The first electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was built in 1831 by British scientist Michael Faraday. Generators provide nearly all of the power for electric power grids.
The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. Many motors can be mechanically driven to generate electricity and frequently make acceptable manual generators.
Terminology Edit
Early Ganz Generator in Zwevegem, West Flanders, Belgium
Electromagnetic generators fall into one of two broad categories, dynamos and alternators.
Dynamos generate pulsing direct current through the use of a commutator
Alternators generate alternating current
Mechanically a generator consists of a rotating part and a stationary part
Rotor: The rotating part of an electrical machine
Stator: The stationary part of an electrical machine, which surrounds the rotor
One of these parts generates a magnetic field, the other has a wire winding in which the changing field induces an electric current
Field winding or field magnet: The magnetic field producing component of an electrical machine. The magnetic field of the dynamo or alternator can be provided by either wire windings called field coils or permanent magnets. A generator using permanent magnets is sometimes called a magneto.
Armature: The power-producing component of an electrical machine. In a generator, alternator, or dynamo the armature windings generate the electric current, which provides power to an external circuit.
The armature can be on either the rotor or the stator, depending on the design, with the field coil or magnet on the other part.
This article is about electromagnetic power generation. For electrostatic generators like the Van de Graaff machine, see Electrostatic generator.
U.S. NRC image of a modern steam turbine generator (STG).
In electricity generation, a generator[1] is a device that converts motive power into electrical power for use in an external circuit. Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines and even hand cranks. The first electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was built in 1831 by British scientist Michael Faraday. Generators provide nearly all of the power for electric power grids.
The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. Many motors can be mechanically driven to generate electricity and frequently make acceptable manual generators.
Terminology Edit
Early Ganz Generator in Zwevegem, West Flanders, Belgium
Electromagnetic generators fall into one of two broad categories, dynamos and alternators.
Dynamos generate pulsing direct current through the use of a commutator
Alternators generate alternating current
Mechanically a generator consists of a rotating part and a stationary part
Rotor: The rotating part of an electrical machine
Stator: The stationary part of an electrical machine, which surrounds the rotor
One of these parts generates a magnetic field, the other has a wire winding in which the changing field induces an electric current
Field winding or field magnet: The magnetic field producing component of an electrical machine. The magnetic field of the dynamo or alternator can be provided by either wire windings called field coils or permanent magnets. A generator using permanent magnets is sometimes called a magneto.
Armature: The power-producing component of an electrical machine. In a generator, alternator, or dynamo the armature windings generate the electric current, which provides power to an external circuit.
The armature can be on either the rotor or the stator, depending on the design, with the field coil or magnet on the other part.
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