The generator was invented before the discovery of the relationship between electricity and magnetism. These generators operate on electrostatic principle, with the help of a flat plate (electrically charged moving conveyor belts) and a disk (which carries an electric charge to a high-potential electrode). Generators use two mechanisms to generate charge, either like triboelectric effects or electrostatic induction. Therefore, it produces low current and very high voltage because of the complexity of insulating machines and their low efficiency. Due to their low power rating, electrostatic generators have never been used for power generation. Practical applications are for powering X-ray tubes and atom particle accelerators.

Another name for a generator is a generator, which is used to transmit and distribute energy to an electrical line for different applications such as domestic, industrial, commercial, etc. These are also suitable for generating electricity from planes, cars, trains and ships. For a generator, mechanical power can be obtained by rotating an axis equal to the axis torque multiplied by angular velocity or rotational speed.

Mechanical energy can be obtained from a variety of sources, such as water turbines from waterfalls/DAMS; Steam turbines, gas turbines and wind turbines, where steam can be produced by burning fossil fuels rather than by nuclear fission. Gas turbines can burn gas directly in the turbine, otherwise diesel engines and gasoline. The structure of the generator and its rotational speed can vary according to the characteristics of the mechanical prime mover.

A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It works based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Faraday's law states that each time a conductor is exposed to a changing magnetic field, an electromotive force is generated that is equal to the rate of change of the flux chain. Electromotive force occurs when there is a change in relative space or relative time between a conductor and a magnetic field.

Generators are basically coils of electrical conductors, usually copper wire, tightly wound around a metal core and installed in a large magnet exhibition hall to spin. A conductor moves in a magnetic field, which combines with electrons in the conductor to create an electric current inside the conductor.

The conductor coil and its core are called armatures. The armatures are connected to a shaft of a mechanical power source, for example, a motor. The copper conductor can turn in a magnetic field at an abnormally increased speed.

When the generator armature first starts to turn, there is a weak magnetic field in the iron pole shoe. As the armature rotates, it begins to raise the voltage. Some of these voltages are generated in the field windings through the generator regulator. This impressive voltage creates a stronger winding current, increasing the strength of the magnetic field.

The expanded magnetic field generates more voltage in the armature. This, in turn, increases the current in the magnetic winding, resulting in a higher armature voltage. At this point, the shoe's logo depends on the direction of the current in the magnetic winding. The opposite sign will cause the current to flow in the wrong direction.

How does a generator make electricity?

In fact, generators do not create energy, but convert it from mechanical energy to electrical energy, or from chemical energy to electrical energy. This energy conversion can be accomplished by capturing the energy of motion and converting electrons into electronic form by using a circuit to push them from an external source. The generator basically works against the motor.

Once this current is generated, copper wires can be used to power external equipment, machines, or entire electrical systems.

Today's generators use Michael Faraday's principle of electromagnetic induction, because he discovered that once a conductor rotates in a magnetic field, it forms an electric charge to generate an electric current. Generators have to do with how pumps use pipes to force water.

Type of generator

Alternator

These are also called alternators. Since all consumers now use AC, it is the most important means of generating electricity in many places. It works by electromagnetic induction. There are two types, one is induction generator and the other is synchronous generator.

Induction generators do not require separate DC excitation, regulator control, frequency control, or governor. This concept occurs when a conductor's coil rotates in a magnetic field, producing currents and voltages. The generator should run at a constant speed to deliver a stable AC voltage, even when unloaded.

Synchronous generator is a large generator, mainly used in power plants. They can be of the rotating magnetic field type or the rotating armature type. In rotating armature form, the armature is at the rotor and the magnetic field is at the stator. The rotor armature current passes through the slip ring and brush. These are limited because of the high wind losses. These are intended for low power output applications. The rotating field alternator is widely used because of its strong power generation capacity, no slip ring and brush.

It can be a three-phase or two-phase generator. A two-phase alternator generates two completely separate voltages. Each voltage can be regarded as a single phase voltage. Each generates a voltage completely independent of the other. The three-phase alternator has three single-phase windings so that the voltage induced by any one phase shifts 120º from the other two.

These connections can be Delta or WYE connections. In triangulation, the ends of each coil are joined together to form a closed loop. Delta Connection is similar to the Greek letter Delta (δ). In a universal connection, one end of each coil is joined together and the other end of each coil is reserved for external connection. Wye Connection stands for the letter Y.

These generators are combined with engines or turbines to be used as motor generators for Marine, oil and gas extraction, mining machinery, wind farms and other applications.

The advantages of an alternator include the following.

With no brushes, these generators are generally maintenance-free.

Step up and down easily through the transformer.

The size of the transport link may be reduced by added features

The size of the generator is relatively smaller than that of the DC motor

The loss is smaller than that of a DC machine

These generator circuit breakers are relatively small DC circuit breakers

Direct current generator

Dc generators are usually used for off-grid applications. These generators provide seamless power directly into power storage devices and the DC grid without the need for new equipment. The stored power is transmitted to the load via a DC-AC converter. The DC generator can be controlled back to a stationary speed because the battery tends to be stimulated to recover more fuel.

Classification of DC generators

Dc generators are classified according to the way their magnetic field develops in the motor stator.

Permanent magnet DC generators, separately activated DC generators and self-excited DC generators.

The permanent magnet DC generator does not need external field excitation because it has permanent magnets to generate flux. These are for low-power applications such as generators. Separate DC generators need external magnetic field excitation to produce magnetic flux. We can also change the excitation to get a variable output power.

These are used in electroplating and electrorefining applications. Due to the residual magnetism in the stator poles, the self-excited DC generator can generate its own magnetic field once it is started. This is a simple design that does not require an external circuit to change the magnetic field excitation. These self-excited DC generators are divided into parallel, series and compound generators.

These are used for applications such as battery charging, welding, and general lighting.

The advantages of dc generators include the following.

Dc motors mainly have a variety of operating characteristics, which can be obtained by selecting the excitation mode.

The output voltage can be smoothed by regularly arranging the coils around the armature. This results in less fluctuation, which is required for some steady-state applications.

Cables do not need to shield radiation, so they are cheaper than AC cables.

Other types of generators

Divided into different types, such as portable, standby and inverter.

Portable generator

They are widely used in different applications and can be used in different configurations by varying the power. This is helpful in the event of normal disasters such as power grid failure. They are used in homes, small commercial establishments such as shops, retail stores, in the construction field to provide power for small tools, outdoor weddings, camping, outdoor activities, and for agricultural equipment such as drilling Wells or drip irrigation systems.

The generator is powered by diesel, otherwise gas provides short-term electricity. The main features of the portable generator are

It conducts electricity by using an internal combustion engine.

It can plug into different tools or devices through sockets.

It can be connected to subpanels.

It is used in remote areas.

It uses less electricity to operate refrigerators, televisions and refrigerators.

The engine should rotate at 3600 RPM so that the frequency of the typical current is 60hz.

The engine speed can be controlled by the operator

inverter

This type of generator uses an engine connected to an alternator to generate AC power, and also uses a rectifier to convert AC power into DC power. These are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, ships and cars that require specific frequency values and voltages. These are available in lighter weights and solids. The characteristics of the generator mainly include the following aspects.

It depends on modern magnets.

It uses more advanced electronic circuits.

It uses three phases to generate electricity.

It maintains a steady current supply to a device.

It is energy efficient because the engine speed automatically adjusts according to the power required.

When used with appropriate equipment, its AC current can be fixed at any voltage and frequency.

They are very light and used for cars, boats, etc.

Stand-by generator

This is an electrical system operated by an automatic transfer switch that sends out a signal to energize the device in the event of a power loss. The best characteristics of a backup generator include the following.

This can be done automatically

For backup lighting, elevators, life support equipment, medical and fire protection systems and other safety systems.

Provides stable power protection

It continuously monitors power

It automatically checks itself weekly to see if it is responding properly or without power outages.

It consists of two components, like an automatic transfer switch and a backup generator

It detects power loss in seconds and enhances power

It uses natural gas, otherwise liquid propane.

It uses an internal combustion engine.

Industrial generator

Industrial generators are different from commercial or civil generators. These are rugged and rugged performances under harsh conditions. Power supply characteristics range of 20 KW-2500 kW, 120-48 volts, single-phase to three-phase power supply.

In general, these types are easier to customize than other types. These generators can be classified according to the fuel used to run the engine to produce electricity. These fuels are natural gas, diesel, gasoline, propane and kerosene,

Induction generator

These generators come in two types, like self-excited and externally excited. Self-excitation wind turbine is a kind of non-traditional energy to convert wind power into electricity. External excitation is used for regenerative braking applications such as cranes, cranes, electric locomotives and elevators.

The generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. This principle was discovered by Michael Faraday. Basically, a generator is an electric conductor coil or ordinary copper wire. The line is tightly wound around a metal core & is placed in a large exhibition of magnets to rotate.

The conductor rotates in a magnetic field, which is connected by electrons inside the conductor, creating an electric current in the conductor. Here, the conductor coil and its core are called armatures. This is a shaft connected to a power supply. You now have a clear understanding of how generators work and their types. Also, any further inquiries on this topic or electrical and electronics projects please leave a comment below.