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Notes in Generator

A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction. It works by passing a conductor through a magnetic field, which causes a current to flow. There are two main types: AC generators, which produce alternating current and are powered by steam turbines or engines, and DC generators, which produce direct current and are commonly used in off-grid applications. Generators have various applications like providing backup power, temporary power at construction sites, and powering remote locations.

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79 views3 pages

Notes in Generator

A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction. It works by passing a conductor through a magnetic field, which causes a current to flow. There are two main types: AC generators, which produce alternating current and are powered by steam turbines or engines, and DC generators, which produce direct current and are commonly used in off-grid applications. Generators have various applications like providing backup power, temporary power at construction sites, and powering remote locations.

Uploaded by

Nins Sarmiento
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SIMPLE ELECTRIC MOTOR AND GENERATOR

GENERATORS
What is a Generator?
A generator is a device that converts Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy.
Generator’s Working Principle
Generators generate electrical energy by capturing the power of movement and turn it into
electricity.

ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
What is Electromagnetic Induction?
 Electromagnetic Induction happens when a conductor moves inside a magnetic field, the
electrical charges are created and can be led to make a flow.
 Michael Faraday discovered the Electromagnetic Induction in 1831.
 James Clerk Maxwell mathematically describe the Faraday’s Law of Induction and later
generalized to become the Maxwell-Faraday Equation.
Principle of Electromagnetic Induction in Generator
 An electrical generator is nothing more than an electromagnet – moving wire near a magnet to
direct the flow of electricity.
 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.

HOW HYDROPOWER PLANTS PRODUCE ELECTRICITY THROUGH GENERATORS?


 Hydropower plants capture energy of falling water in mostly dams to generate electricity.
 A turbine converts the kinetic energy of the falling water into mechanical energy.
 A generator converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy.
The first mini-hydropower plant in Oriental Mindoro located in Baco was built in 1978 then after 9
years, another mini-hydropower plant has been built in Naujan. On 2019, Inabasan Hydro Power Plant opened
in San Teodoro. It is regarded as one of the best hydro-power sites in the country.

HOW WINDMILLS PRODUCE ELECTRICITY THROUGH GENERATORS?


 The wind turns the blades of the windmill, known as the turbine, which, in turn, spins the
shaft that turns the coil inside the magnet, known as the generator, and it produces the
electricity.
The most famous wind farm in the Philippines is the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte. The wind farm
is the primary source of electricity in Ilocos Province. In Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, the Wind Energy
Power System is built and becomes one of the electricity sources distributed by ORMECO.

HOW STEAM POWER PRODUCES ELECTRICITY THROUGH GENERATORS?


 Fuel is burned to heat water which makes steam.
 Steam moves the turbine blades that turn a shaft inside the generator.
 The shaft spins the coil of wire inside a magnet in the generator that produces a current of
electricity.
Steam energy is used in Fuel power plants, geothermal power plants and even nuclear power plants.
TYPES OF GENERATORS
1. AC Generator
- Also called an Alternator, AC generators produce alternating current.
- AC generators supply its mechanical energy input mostly from steam turbines, gas turbines,
and combustion engines.
- AC generators are classified into two categories: induction generators and synchronous
generators.
Parts of an AC Generator
Field: consists of coils of conductors that receive a voltage from the source and produce
magnetic flux.
 Armature: the part in which the voltage is produced. It primarily consists of coils of wire
that are large enough to carry the full-load current.
 Prime Mover: the component that used to drive the AC generator. This can be either a diesel
engine, a steam turbine, or a motor.
 Rotor: rotating component of the generator is known as a rotor. The generator’s prime
mover drives the rotor.
 Stator: the stationary part of an AC generator. It comprises a lamination of metals to
minimize the eddy current losses.
 Slip Rings: connections that are used to transfer power. They are designed to conduct the
flow of current from a stationary device to a rotating one.
2. DC Generator
- DC generators produce direct current.
- DC generators are commonly found in off-grid applications. They are usually used for
operating large motors and electrical devices requiring direct control.
- Most DC generators are referred to as DC machine because it can alternately become a DC
motor using the same parts of the DC generator. While DC generator produces mechanical
energy and converts it to electrical energy, DC motor produces electrical energy and converts
it to mechanical energy.
Parts of a DC Generator
 Stator: provides magnetic field where the coil spins. It includes two magnets with opposite
polarities facing each other.
 Rotor:  includes slotted iron laminations with slots that are stacked to shape a cylindrical
armature core.
 Armature Windings: conductor coils placed in the slots of magnetic core mounted on the
shaft of the rotor of a DC machine 
 Yoke: the external structure of the DC generator. It is made of either cast iron or steel.
 Pole: holds field windings. These windings are wound on poles and are either connected in
series or parallel by armature windings.
 Pole Shoe: mainly utilized for spreading the magnetic flux to prevent the field coil from
falling.
 Commutator: commutator changes AC voltage to DC voltage within the armature winding.
It is located on the shaft of the machine.
 Brushes: are in constant contact with the commutator and are attached to the wires leading
from the generator. The commutator spins while the brushes remain stationary, transferring
current from the commutator.
 Shaft: transfers mechanical energy to the generator and turns the coil through the magnetic
field. The shaft may be turned by a turbine that operates with water, steam or air, or by other
means.
Comparison of AC and DC Generator
AC Generator DC Generator

Produces AC electrical power Produces DC electrical power

Electric current reverses periodically Electric current flows in one direction

Slip rings are used for high efficiency If slip rings are used, they wear out quickly

Use in small domestic applications Used to power large motors

Doesn’t have brushes Have brushes

Large generators; commonly used in off grid


Commonly used due to smaller size
applications

TOP USES OF GENERATORS


 Back-up power for your house
 Standby power for businesses
 Temporary power in construction site
 Permanent power to a farm
 Helping main source of electricity to supply the total power required
 Pop concerts, events, and exhibitions
 Caravans/Camping in remote locations Outdoor catering facilities

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