About Generators

Generators

An electrical generator is a device that converts energy into electric power for use in an external circuit. It was first prototyped by Michael Faraday in 1831. The electric generator works through kinetic energy, also known as motion. This energy can be procured from water turbines, wind turbines, steam turbines, and other methods.

Water turbines or hydroelectric turbines are used to convert the kinetic energy in water into electricity. Usually, it is done in high-falling or fast-flowing water to generate more energy. This process is termed as hydropower.

Wind turbines are used to convert the kinetic energy in wind into electricity. These are, on average, the most efficient way to generate electricity. These turbines alone do not produce much, so they are grouped in hundreds in windy areas. These are known as wind farms.

Steam turbines are the most used type of electricity generation. They have a reputation as a harmful source of electricity for the Earth, although this is not so. Steam turbines harness heat and use it to boil water. The steam obtained spins turbines to produce electricity. This does not impact the environment by itself, rather, the way the heat is obtained does. Heat may be obtained by burning fossil fuels, which emits toxic gases.

In generators, the electromagnetic property of electricity is used. When a magnet is passed through a wire coiled into a spring, electric current is produced because the magnet pulls the electrons in the wire.

There are two types of electrical generators: AC and DC. AC generators produce Alternating Current. DC generators produce Direct Current. AC current goes from neutral to positive to neutral to negative, etc., in a cycle. DC generators, however, produce a regular current.

In the case of an AC generator, a rotating magnet is placed between three sets of stators: A, B, and C. They are wrapped with wire coiled in a spring. According to the electromagnetic property, when the magnet begins rotation, current should start flowing through the wires.

In a DC generator, you will find components like those of an AC generator, except the magnets will be stationary, and the wire will be moving instead. DC generators use a commutator to provide direct current instead of alternating current.

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