What are Electrical Generators?

ELECTRICAL GENERATOR

It is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The source of mechanical energy may be a reciprocating pump or turbine. Essentially an electrical generator consists of two parts-magnetic field and conductors.

The energy conversion is based on the principle of production of dynamically induced e.m.f. This dynamically induced e.m.f is produced under Faraday’s laws of Electromagnetic Induction. The e.m.f causes current flow if the circuit is closed. A generator forces electric charge to move to an external circuit, but it doesn’t produce any charge. The charge is present in the windings of wire.

Dynamo was the first electrical generator capable of supplying power to the industry. It uses electromagnetic principles for the conversion of mechanical power in electric current

As described in electrical terms and mechanical terms generator consists of two parts

1) Mechanical-Rotor and Stator

Rotor is the rotating part of motor, dynamo, alternator and generator and a Stator is the stationary part of motor, dynamo, alternator and generator.

2) Electrical-Armature and Field

Armature is the power producing component of motor, dynamo, alternator and generator and Field is the magnetic field component of motor, dynamo, alternator and generator.

Generator uses field coils that require a current flow to be present in the field coils. (Equivalent circuit). Different types of generators now in use are vehicle mount, engine generators, human powered electrical generators etc.

As described above an electrical generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is a most common which we use frequently. This plays such a major role in electricity production.