How a Motor or Generator works?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the workings of motors and generators, specifically focusing on electric generators versus fuel-powered generators. Participants explore the principles of operation, differences between AC and DC machines, and related concepts such as eddy current loss and transformer ratings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that applying electricity to a motor causes it to spin, while spinning a motor converts it into a generator, emphasizing the role of rotating electromagnets.
  • Questions are raised about the basic differences between AC and DC machines, with some noting that AC is alternating current and DC is direct current.
  • One participant mentions that transformer ratings are expressed in KVA rather than KW because KVA accounts for phase differences in AC systems.
  • There is uncertainty expressed regarding eddy current loss, with one participant admitting they are not sure about this concept.
  • Another participant explains that DC voltage remains constant, while AC voltage varies sinusoidally, providing an example of American outlets.
  • A participant corrects and elaborates on the definition of Hertz as a unit of frequency, describing a full cycle as returning to the original position.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views on the differences between AC and DC machines, as well as the implications of transformer ratings. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of eddy current loss and other technical details.

Contextual Notes

Some claims are based on assumptions that may not be universally accepted, and there are unresolved questions regarding the technical details of eddy currents and transformer ratings.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals seeking to understand the fundamental principles of motors and generators, as well as those curious about electrical engineering concepts related to AC and DC systems.

Moni
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How a Motor or Generetor works ?
 
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Originally posted by Moni
How a Motor or Generetor works ?

I'm assuming you mean an electric generator as opposed to a generator ran by fuel?

In this case I searched google and found this site:
How a generator works.

Also, if this is not what you wanted a google search (with quotes " ") will do wonders for you, the sites usually provide for pictures, which don't seem to work well on PF.
 


Originally posted by Moni
How a Motor or Generetor works ?
Since harnessing and creating electricity work the same way, apply electricity to a motor and it spins. Spin a motor and it becomes a generator.

Its just rotating electromagnets.
 
But what is the basic difference between AC and DC machines?

What is eddy current loss?

why tranformer rating is not KW why it is KVA?
 
Originally posted by Moni
But what is the basic difference between AC and DC machines?

What is eddy current loss?

why tranformer rating is not KW why it is KVA?
ac is alternating current, dc is direct current (constant). KVA is used because KW doesn't take into account phase for ac.

Not sure about eddy currents.

Maybe you should use google. It sounds like you have a lot of basic questions and you can find some quick answers there.
 
Yea...DC has a constant voltage(like when u connect a circuit to a battery...its always going to be , say, 12 Volts...(well not really since the battery has internal resistance, and i think the voltage goes down as the battery gets older...maybe not...))..
But in AC the voltage varies sinusoidaly...For example, most american outlets are 120 V and 60 hz..this means that the voltage goes between 120 and -120 60 times in a second...(correct me if I am wrong, please..i might be mistaken on some details_)
 
Hertz is a unit of frequency - a full
cycle is when you return to your original
position - back AND forth.
 

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