Electric Generator: Types, Working, and Applications

An electric generator is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

• The mechanical energy of an electric generator is generally provided by steam turbines, gas turbines, and wind turbines.
• An electric generator is also known as a dynamo.
• It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
• An electric motor uses a reverse process to that of the electric generator.
• It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
• The energy provided to the electric power grids is supplied by the electric generators.

Based on the types of current produced, an electric generator can be classified into

• AC generator (Alternating current generator)
• DC generator (Direct current generator)

Read Also: Difference Between Motors and Generators

Key Terms: Electromagnetic induction, Electric field, Magnetic field, AC generator, DC generator, Magnet, Electric power, Electric generator, Electrical energy, Mechanical energy

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What is an Electric Generator?

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An electric generator is a device that involves the conversion of one form of energy into another.

• Usually, mechanical is converted into electrical energy in an electric generator.
• Various sources of mechanical energy are provided like steam and gas turbines.
• The energy provided to the electric power grids is supplied by the electric generators.
• Therefore these are used to generate electricity.
• Electric generator follows the principle of electromagnetic induction.

An electric generator generates either alternating current or EMF.

• There is no violation of the law of conversion of energy.
• Electric generators supply power to households and industries. 
• In 1831, Michael Faraday invented an electric generator. In 1660, the first electrostatic generator was built by Otto.
• Michael Faraday used the principle of electromagnetic induction to design the electromagnetic generator.

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Types of Electric Generators

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Electric generators can be classified based on the type of current produced. These are discussed below-

• Alternating current (AC) generator: An Alternating current generator (AC generator) is a type of electric generator that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of alternate EMF or alternating current. These generators are also called single-phase generators and are limited to 25-kilowatt power.
• Direct current (DC) generator: Direct Current generators are the electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electricity in the form of direct current. These generators are divided into shunt used in battery charges, series used in streetlights, and compound wound generators.

Also Read: Difference Between AC and DC Motor

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Parts of an Electric Generator

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Electric generator resembles the construction of electric motors. The use of a galvanometer in an electric generator helps to detect the presence and amount of electricity. With the evolution of technology, the electric generator has its design evolved and improvised.

Thus, the constructional details of the electric generator are given as follows:

• Engine: The engine is the powerplant of mechanical energy.
• Frame: The frame is the structure that houses the components.
• Alternator: The alternator is used to convert the input, which is mechanical, into the electrical output.
• Fuel system: The fuel system gives the supply of fuel to keep the electric generator working.
• Voltage regulator: The voltage regulator controls and sets the voltage required.
• Control panel: The control panel is the main controller with buttons.
• Cooling system: The cooling system helps to maintain the temperature of the electric generator.
• Lubrication system: The lubrication system helps in the proper functioning and maintenance of the components of the electric generator.
• Exhaust system: The exhaust system helps to dispose of the waste products like gases from the electric generator.
• Charger: The charger helps to charge the battery and various devices.
• Brushes: The brushes are connected with the frame and the coil.
• Magnets: The magnets must be strong enough to generate the magnetic field. The magnets can be bar magnets or horseshoe magnets.
• Rings: The rings are attached to the base of the coils.
• Galvanometer: The amount or level of current is measured by a device called a galvanometer.

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How Does An Electric Generator Work?

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The working of an electric generator is opposite to that of an electric motor. The apparatus consists of a coil that is rectangular and two magnets placed beside the rectangular coil. The rectangular coil sits in between the two magnets placed. The magnets are permanent.

• It is now assumed that the rectangular coil is rotated in the clockwise direction.
• This is achieved with the aid of axles and rings connected together.
• The rules applied for determining the direction of current are Fleming’s right-hand rule and Fleming’s left-hand rule.
• Therefore, on applying Fleming’s right-hand rule, the current moves in the clockwise direction (A to B).
• Similarly, by applying Fleming’s left-hand rule, the current moves in the same clockwise direction(C to D).
• Hence, the direction of the current flow is from brush B2 to brush B1. The direction is clockwise.
• After a part of the rotation is over, we observe that the current has a different path, that is, it flows from brush B1 to the brush B2 part.
• The direction of the coil changes as the side CD comes on the left while the side AB is on the right.
• Fleming’s left-hand rule is applied to the right side of the arm and Fleming’s left-hand rule applies to the left side of the arm of the rectangular coil.
• It can be seen that after every rotation, the current takes a different direction.
• The direction of the current changes which reveals that it has an alternating nature.
• The electric generator produces the current that changes after each and every rotation or follows a periodic pattern of current change.
• This kind of electric generator is called the AC generator.
• The electric motor consists of a split-ring commutator.
• It is observed to produce current in only one direction.
• Therefore, by using a commutator with the above apparatus, a unidirectional current can be produced.
• Thus, it gives a DC generator.

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Applications of Electric Generators

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The electric generators are either DC generators or AC generators. The various uses of electric generators include:

• Household power supply
• To power construction equipment
• In drive motors
• To power transportation equipment
• In laboratories for physics, electronics, or electrical work

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Things to Remember

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• An electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.
• An electric generator is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
• There are two types of electric generators: AC generators and DC generators.
• The various parts of an electric generator: are the engine, frame, alternator, fuel system, voltage regulator, control panel, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, and charger.
• The working of an electric generator is opposite to that of an electric motor.
• An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
• The electric generator produces a current that changes after every rotation or follows a periodic pattern of current change.

Check Also: Difference Between AC and DC Generators

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