Electric Generator

Posted by TheAuthor on May 6, 2009

Role of Electric Generator in Power Generation

electric generators

What is the most important tool in power generation ? Of course, the answer will be a power generator. It has been developed for years as a means of human’s sophistication and easiness. Among other, electric generator is a kind of power generator which plays an important role in human’s life.

The history of electrical generator can be traced since 1827. At that time, a Hungarian scientist, Anyos Jedlik, conducted an experiment by using electromagnetic rotating devices. He called it ‘electromagnetic self-rotors’. In his prototype, both of the stationary and the revolving parts were electromagnetic. Jedlik formulated the concept of the dynamo about 6 years before Siemens and Wheatstone. However, he didn’t patent his creation. He thought that he wasn’t the first who realize this system.

Michael Faraday, then discovered the operating principle of electromagnetic generators in 1832. Later, it became the basis of an electric generator. The principle established by Faraday itself, then called as ‘Faraday’s law’. The Faraday’s law is emphasized on a principle that a potential difference is generated between the ends of an electrical conductor that moves perpendicular to a magnetic field. Faraday is regarded as the first person who also built the first electric generator. His discovery is called the ‘Faraday disc’. The form is a type of homopolar generator.

The first electric generator capable of delivering power for industry was a dynamo. The dynamo is functioned by using some electromagnetic principles in converting mechanical rotation. Its form is changed into a pulsing direct electric current by using a commutator. Hippolyte Pixii built the first dynamo in 1832. Later, the form and principles of electric generators is changing and developing until now. However, the basic principle is still the same.

In principles, an electric generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. Generally, it uses electromagnetic induction. The reverse conversion itself is performed by a motor. By using an external electrical circuit, a generator forces electric charges to move. However, it does not yet create electricity or charge. It is already exist in the wire of its windings. It is somewhat similar to a water pump, which generates a flow of water but does not produce the water inside. The spring of mechanical energy may be a responding or turbine steam engine, water lessening through a turbine or waterwheel, a wind turbine, an internal combustion engine, compressed air, a hand crank, or any other resource of energy.

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