What is Generator: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In electricity generation, a generator is a device that converts motive power (mechanical energy) into electrical power for use in an external circuit. Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines, wind turbines and even hand cranks. The first electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was invented in 1831 by British scientist Michael Faraday. 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; frequently they make acceptable manual generators.

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  1. G

    Designing a Faraday Generator Suit | Get Answers Here

    Hello everyone, I need help designing a Faraday Generator suit. It's basically a bunch of small Faraday generators (the kind used in flashlights), sewn into the fabric of outer clothing and connecting to batteries to charge them. The problem is that I have no idea what it will take to make...
  2. O

    LRC circuit:what is the voltage of the capacitor when the generator is at maximum vol

    Homework Statement http://www.screencast.com/users/trinhn812/folders/Jing/media/cdd8b2f4-1c0d-43ba-8722-fb8b811c5585 Homework Equations V=IR V(C)=X(C)*R The Attempt at a Solution I'm having trouble with number two. I tried finding Z from the frequency and then calculating the...
  3. O

    Different formula for generator and motor ?

    Is there a different formula for generator and motor effects? What are they?
  4. K

    How Can I Develop an Adjustable Current Pulse Generator Circuit?

    This is my first post, so a little background on me: I am a senior in EE at UofL, I am currently working for a company who has given me a larger project to complete (They kept me on part time while I finish school). I have not taken any analog or digital design classes, so I fear I am in over...
  5. D

    Three phase induction generator on a single phase supply

    Hi, I’m really stuck on a problem for my final year project in my taught Masters degree and any suggestions what might be going wrong would be greatly appreciated. I’m trying to run a three phase delta connected induction generator on a single phase supply using a Steinmetz connection. The...
  6. D

    Creating an improvised project (electromagnetic generator)

    Homework Statement I'm required to make an improvised material for my Physics class. I'm in grade 10. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I'm thinking of making an electromagnetic generator. Here's an illustration I saw in a book. The top set-up was from the book. I...
  7. C

    Electric motor used as Generator?

    theoretically I believe this is possible: basically I am trying to decide if I could use an electric motor as a generator to charge a battery source, and when needed use it as a motor as well. I think the only issue is the rpm's which it is operating at, to get the most...
  8. M

    Linear Congruential Generator 1,4,9

    Homework Statement X=(aX + b) mod 65536 Output is 1,4,9, ? Can anyone give me a hint as to what a and b are Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 1=(aX + b) mod 65536 4=(a1 + b) mod 65536 9=(a4 + b) mod 65536 The values I have tried get me from 4 to 7 not 9
  9. M

    Powering a Home with an HHO Generator: Is it Possible?

    Is it possible to power an entire house by an HHO generator?
  10. M

    Is Linear Congruential Generator a Reliable Random Number Generator?

    Linear congruential generator x_n (equivalence) k x_{n-1} (mod 100)where k is some fixed positive integer. Is this a good random number generator (that generates from 0 to 99). for which k is this particularly bad and are are there any k for which this is better than other k? How...
  11. A

    Parasitic capacitance in generator

    Hi, can anyone tell me how to measure the parasitic capacitance in a generator?
  12. M

    Does this secret Tesla generator really work?

    Does this "secret Tesla generator" really work? I came across this site making claims about this Tesla secret generator, and I am wondering if anyone has any advice on whether or not this actually works. The video on the site shows it actually working but I want some more insight on this before...
  13. J

    Can a super being create a pure random number generator?

    The only requirement is that the pure random numbers generated have to be purely random to its creator, not for some other inferior species. (To keep Evo happy, a super being is someone who is omniscient and omnipotent.)
  14. L

    Boost generator transforms as vector under rotations

    Hi, I've read quite a few times now in group theory and QFT books that [X_i,Y_j]=i\epsilon_{ijk}Y_k can be regarded as saying that \vec{Y} , the vector of boost generators transforms as a vector under rotations (where X are SO(3) generators). I don't really understand why this implies...
  15. P

    Peak EMF in Generator Coil at 90.0 Hz: 0.012V

    Homework Statement A generator has a 170-turn square coil, 5 cm on a side. Find the peak emf in this coil when it's rotating at 90.0 Hz in Earth's field, 5*10^-5 T Express your answer to one significant figure and include the appropriate units. Homework Equations Emf = NBAw The...
  16. C

    Self propelling electromagnetic generator

    Hi everyone, i am new here. I have been doing some research on a self propelling electromagnetic generator. I am a bit confused on why they don't work and was hoping to have some input on some of my ideas. So the normal electromagnetic generator has a wheel with rare Earth magnets while...
  17. Terocamo

    RMS Current in an AC Generator with Doubled Rotational Speed

    Homework Statement The output voltage of an a.c. generator is \emph{V}=\emph{NBA}\omegasin(\omegat). When the voltage is connected across an inductor, the rms current in the inductor is found to be 10mA. What will Be the rms current if the rotating speed of the coil inside the generator is...
  18. S

    Tone Generator Connected To Speaker

    First, let me just say that I am very new to electrical engineering. It is something that I started teaching myself mere months ago. So, basically, it is probably best that you guys assume I know nothing. As I have expanded my knowledge, I have built some little things. For instance, an LED...
  19. L

    Spread spectrum clock generator

    I was reading an article on spread spectrum clock generator here - http://www.maxim-ic.com/app-notes/index.mvp/id/1995 Wouldn't spreading the frequency from the center frequency affect the data transfer? In case of a CPU, the speed would vary too. I understand spread spectrum in...
  20. B

    Synchronous Generator Power factor

    Hello everyone, I would like to ask a little help from you guys. I am designing a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) for a Wind turbine application which is of direct drive (DD) type. Being a DD type PMSG the frequency of the output is very low and hence I had to employ converter...
  21. Philosophaie

    Find a Sine Wave Generator to Plot Excel Data and Extrapolate

    Does anyone know a Sine Wave Generator program that will plot Excel Data and extrapolate a a sine wave with its harmonics? I know MatLab will connect but will not make a fluid sine wave. Freeware suggestions welcomed. Any suggestions?
  22. T

    Calculating power of a permanent magnet DC generator

    Hello, I'm building a DC generator for fun (of the cardboard and lego variety). It is based on this model: How would you calculate the power output from that, assuming we know the strength of the magnets and the frequency of rotation? Are there any easy ways to increase...
  23. D

    Calculating Generator Shaft Torque

    Gentlemen, Here is my scenario. I am building a new project utilizing a PMG that produces 5KW at 840V at 189 RPM. The manufacturer is supplying me with a torque curve that does not appear to be correct. They say, at full power extraction it has 350Nm of shaft torque. Is this correct? If so...
  24. P

    AC Generator with Resistor: Exploring Kirchhoff's Loop Rule

    Homework Statement A resistor of resistance R is connected to an AC generator with EMF(t)=(EMF_max)sin((w_d)t). (a) Write Kirchhoff's Loop Rule for this circuit at a particular instant of time. Is your result a differential equation? (b) Find the current as a function of time. Now...
  25. P

    DC Generator: Can AC Devices Function With DC Power?

    I have created blueprint for a DC generator.THEORITICALLY it is 100% power efficient,it involves no AC in PRODUCTION,i need to know whether AC devices we work daily cope up with dc power or not?
  26. J

    Linear Generator question

    Hi I have project that build on a linear generator design. The design is: A linear generator is attached to a spring, and with help of a control circuit are the magnetic field of the "rotor" regulated to "brake" the applied force (and the braking creates induced emf in the "stator"). The same...
  27. D

    Generator synchronization

    i am BSEE student, my project study is to synchronize the generator of an hospital, it have a one 313KVA standby-power diesel gen.,and three 100kva transformer.The generator system is operated manually and no ATS or UPS. one more new building is being build so the transformer will be upgrade...
  28. G

    Is a Small AC Generator Suitable for Running Electronics?

    Hi all, The country where I live, electricity outages are a part of life, so to compensate for it I have a small 2.2kW 220V AC generator in my house. The problem with it is that I've heard and found out for myself that its output is unfit for running electronics. Testing with a...
  29. G

    Calculating Wattage Rating for Generator to Power Electric Motor

    What would be the wattage ratting for a gas/diesel generator to power an electric motor with these specs. 72-144VDC 190A Continuous 43.7HP Continuous Thanks
  30. R

    Faraday Generator - Theoretical

    Hello. So I need a little bit of help with this. I am trying to 'make' a theoretical generator, that is powered by a wind station. There are so many variables that I either need to make up or find, such as coil thickness, length etc. So I was wondering whether anyone could help me? Can someone...
  31. G

    Electric force of Van de Graaff generator problem.

    A Van de Graaff generator is charged so that a proton at its surface accelerates radially outward at 1.45 10^12 m/s2. Find the following. (a) the magnitude of the electric force on the proton at that instant magnitude (b) the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the surface of...
  32. A

    Backup Generator for 90 Apartments: Is My Understanding Right?

    Hi friends, Iam from india(230v).Iam no good in Electrical distribution.We have a back up generator in our community of 160kva.We have 90 apartments. From the generator wiring is directly done to few lights points and fan points in the household which would make them function when the normal...
  33. T

    Java Java random number generator help.

    Hi, I'm trying to get it so that when the program initiates, if the random number is greater than 3, I turn left. here is what I have in summary; int rt=3; Random ra = new Random(); for (int c = 6; c <12; ++c); { } if(rt<ra) {...
  34. A

    Working of Van De Graff generator

    In a Van de graff generator, the positive conductor which is connected to the power supply (of high voltage) generates an electric field of high value, which results in dielectric breakdown of air and the positive charge gets "transferred" to the insulated belt. The book says " positive charge...
  35. A

    Designing a Tone Generator for Telecommunications

    I am trying to design a tone generator similar to those used in telecommunications applications (ex: http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=89724&eventPage=1) The probe (inductive amplifier) can be used on any tone generator, so I plan to use it with mine. So far, I have...
  36. S

    How to build a human powered generator

    Hi all, Sorry if this is an incorrect part of the forum. Living a relatively sedentary lifestyle, consuming a Western diet, living in an area where drivers see pedestrians/cyclists as moving targets to run over and after packing on a few pounds, it got me thinking. I'd like to (as a...
  37. C

    How does a generator produce AC current?

    I just don't understand how it does, because I never noticed the terminals change positions. I understood how DC generators work, but not AC.
  38. G

    Monic Generator (Minimal Polynomial)

    1. Homework Statement [/b] Let V be the space of all polynomials of degree less than or equal to 2 over the reals. Define the transformation, H, as a mapping from V to R[x] by (Hp)(x)=\int^x_{-1}p(t)dt\\. a) Find the monic generator, d, which generates the ideal, M, containing the range of H...
  39. W

    Can someone explain a DC electromagnetic generator in lamen terms for me?

    I have been researching generators lately, whilst contemplating building my own wind powered generator. I think I understand the general layout: a central magnetic core that rotates with an outside ring of conductive coils spun in specific alternating turns with their own magnetic cores. If I am...
  40. B

    Electric Generator: How to use 2 Motors & a Pully System

    im doing a simple home made project. wanting to know how i can use 2 electric motors to restore juice to the battery. i have 1 motor as my power source, with another as a generator, running on a pully system with a rubber band. I know i could use a gear system, but I am lacking funds for gears...
  41. J

    Understanding A.C Generators and the Difference Between A.C and D.C Current

    I just encountered an A.C Generator. I understand that it turns mechanical energy into electrical energy. I also understand that if a coil is moved through a magnetic field, a current will be induced. What I dont understand is why A.C current is produced, not D.C could someone please...
  42. C

    Linear Generator efficiency

    I have been having difficulty finding information regarding Linear Generators, maybe they have not been used enough and are begininning to be sought after more for renewable energy production. Back to the title, does anyone know approximately the efficiency of a linear generator, or at...
  43. P

    Can a Collapsing Star Form a Wormhole?

    I have a question about what happens if: A collapsing star (with an appropriate mass <20solar masses) forms a "donut" shape as it collapses. (first, is that possible?) and would it generate a wormhole traveling through the "donuts" center? The only thing that causes me to believe it would is...
  44. J

    A.C generator phase question

    Hi everyone, i have a question or two about the phases of a 3 phase A.C. generator. I have read about and seen several sine wave charts that state the phases are separated by 120 degrees, can someone explain this? i know the obvious that a circle is 360 degrees and that divided by 3 equals 120...
  45. X

    Calculating No-Load Voltage for DC Generator

    Homework Statement The ratings of a dc generator are given (16 kW, 250 V, and 64 A) when it rotates at 1000 rpm. Then the question asks to find the no-load voltage at 1000 rpm when there isn't a circuit hooked up to the generator. Homework Equations P = IV V = IR Kirchhoff's circuit...
  46. A

    Running generator below its capacity

    Dear all, I have no science back ground , I have purchased a 30KVA gas generator, for my farm house, I would like to know if I run it well below its capacity will it be harm full for the generator or it will get hot. It’s a American generator with cooling tower design, which I have converted...
  47. F

    Sine wave generator without constant voltage

    In physics lab we were using a signal generator with sine wave to find the frequency of a circuit quite precisely. Unfortunately, we had trouble and when checked with a circuit with purely resistive impedance, voltage changed with the frequency of the sine wave. The signal generator is...
  48. S

    Problem in deciding dc generator conecting to an inverter

    Hi, Its great to see a forum like this thanks for your efforts and thinking that PF can help me a lot. I Am ANANTH pursuing 3-2 B.TECH under J.N.T.U.H i am working on a project of wind energy to electrical energy. but the problem is what type of dc generator(rating) should i use? first I've...
  49. T

    Conserved charge as a generator of symmetry, Peskin & Schroeder

    Hey! I am stuck at a passage in the QFT book of Peskin & Schroeder and I need your help :) It is about page 698, last break. The sentence is: "At long wavelength, the Goldstone bosons become infinitesimal symmetry rotations of the vacuum, Q |0> , where Q is the global charge associated...
  50. P

    Calculating Energy Production of a Linear Generator

    Before building a linear generator I am trying to figure out how much energy it will produce over a given period of time, but I'm having trouble getting my head around it. Firstly, assuming I can measure displacement (of the magnet) vs. time, specifications of the magnet, and the dimensions...
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