Introduction
Electric generator was discovered even before the discovery of the connection between electricity and magnetism. Moving electrically charged plates, disks, and plates were used to operate the electric generators and it follows electrostatic principles. The charge was mainly produced by using either of two mechanisms: turboelectric effect and electrostatic induction of turboelectric effect. Such kinds of generators produced low current and high voltage. Generators are very useful as it supplies poise to the electrical appliances during a power disruption. Generators are available in various physical and electrical configurations for use in different applications.
What is a generator?
Figure 1: Construction of a generator
Generators are very useful gadgets that supply electrical power during an electrical failure. Generators are easily available with electrical as was a physical layout which is suitable for the different kinds of uses.
Generators are very essential devices that are used for power supplies during the power cut-off. Thus it prevents the discontinuity of regulated activities and affairs without any disruption. Generator mainly transforms the mechanical energy to the electric energy. The generator gets the mechanical energy from the external source.
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Generator: Components
A generator mainly consists of six different types of components: fuel system, the engine, alternator, cooling, lubricating, and exhaust systems.
Figure 2: Working process of a generator
- The engine: Engine is the most essential factor in any kind of machine. The engine generally changes fuel into usable energy and helps the machines to perform or move their mechanical functions of it.
- Fuel System: The generators are commonly run by using different types of fuels. The fuel system is a tank that stores enough fuel to send power to the generators for many hours.
- Alternator: The alternator converts the mechanical energy into the electrical current.
- Cooling system: A cooling system is used to cool down the inner machines to prevent overheating.
- Lubricating system: This system helps the generators to move smoothly.
- Exhaust system: Many harmful gasses are ejected from the generators through this system.
Generator: Working principle
Electric heaters are utilized for the production of electric energy. The electromagnetic induction principle is utilized by generators for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. In the generator conductor, the coil is placed between the horseshoe magnets. Rapid rotation of conductor coil occurs that results in the production of electrical energy. The conductor coil and soft core together form the armature. The armature connected to the motor gets rotated. The requirement of mechanical energy is fulfilled through engines operating on natural gas fuels. Rotation of the coil results in cutting the magnetic field located between two magnetic poles. Interference of magnetic field with electron within conductor induces electric flow
Different categories of generators
AC generator: AC generator is also called Alternators. These are one of the most necessary devices as it offers electrical power in various conditions of life. As opined by Hasani, et al. (2019), the principal named electromagnetic induction regulated the work of AC generators. There are mainly two types of AC generators – synchronous generators and induction generators. No brushes can be found in these particular types of generators.
DC generator
Figure 3: Working principle of DC generator
DC generators are mostly found in off-grid applications. As opined by Herawan et al. (2021), this type of generator is designed simply. DC generator mainly converts the mechanical power into DC electrical power by a process called electromagnetic induction (Khatri & Wang, 2020)
- Portable Generators: Portable generators supply electricity by running the gaspowered engine. It turns the onboard alternator to produce electrical power.
- Inverter Generators: The inverter generator inverts the electricity to grant safer, cleaner power for sensitive electronics.
- Standby Generators: The standby generator, provides the power automatically during power cut off. It can be called the backup electrical system.
Generator and its usage
| Generator type | Usage |
|---|---|
| AC generators | These generators are used in electric scooters, bicycles, sailboats, and power plants. |
| DC generator | Lathe machines, Milling machines, Drilling machines. Reciprocating and Centrifugal pumps, Machine tools, Fans and blowers. |
| Portable Generators | Emergencies like camping, mining, ranching and agriculture, night working, camping and construction. |
| Inverter Generators | It is applied in running everything from the RV to the coffee pot in specific places where one cannot access the electronic power supplies (Ab, W. M. Z. B. & Haron, 2019). It is also used in powering the house in the absence of electricity. |
| Standby Generators | It supplies power when the main power supplies fail. It provides backup for the emergency period. |
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