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Electric generator

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U.S. NRC image of a modern steam turbine generator

Early Ganz Generator in Zwevegem, West Flanders, Belgium

Early 20th century alternator made in Budapest, Hungary, in the power generating hall of a hydroelectric station

In electricity generation, an electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. A generator forces electric current to flow through an external circuit. The source of mechanical energy may be a reciprocating or turbine steam engine, water falling through a turbine or waterwheel, an internal combustion engine, a wind turbine, a hand crank, compressed air, or any other source of mechanical energy. Generators provide nearly all of the power for electric power grids.

The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. Many motors can be mechanically driven to generate electricity and frequently make acceptable generators.

Contents * 1 History * 2 Electromagnetic generators * 2.1 Dynamo * 2.2 Alternator * 2.3 Induction generator * 2.4 MHD generator * 2.5 Other rotating electromagnetic generators * 2.6 Homopolar generator * 2.7 Excitation * 3 Electrostatic generator * 3.1 Wimshurst machine * 3.2 Van de Graaff generator * 4 Terminology * 5 Equivalent circuit * 6 Vehicle-mounted generators * 7 Engine-generator * 8 Human powered electrical generators * 9 Linear electric generator * 10 Tachogenerator * 11 See also * 12 References * 13 External links |

History

Before the connection between magnetism and electricity was discovered, electrostatic generators were used. They operated on electrostatic principles. Such generators generated very high voltage and low current. They operated by using moving electrically...