A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy obtained from an external source into electrical energy as the output. It is important to understand that a generator does not actually create electrical energy. Instead, it uses the mechanical energy supplied to it to force the movement of electric charges present in the wire of its windings through an external electric circuit. Generators are useful appliances that supply electrical power during a power outage and prevent discontinuity of daily activities or disruption of business operations.
Here are some key points about generators:
- A generator is a device that converts motion-based power or fuel-based power into electric power for use in an external circuit.
- Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines, and wind turbines.
- Most power stations contain one or more generators, or spinning machines converting mechanical power into three-phase electrical power.
- An engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine (prime mover) mounted together to form a single piece of self-contained equipment.
- Generators are available in different electrical and physical configurations for use in different applications.
- An electric generator works by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy based on the electromagnetic induction principle.
- The mechanical power for an electric generator is usually obtained from a rotating shaft and is equal to the shaft torque multiplied by the rotational velocity.
- Nearly all generators used to supply electric power networks generate alternating current, which reverses polarity at a fixed frequency.
