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. J

    Is there a loss of electrons in a generator circuit?

    I have studied electrical engineering, and I've seen some discussion about this question in general. However, the question that I have on potential loss of electrons in a generator circuit is a little more specific. Is the energy that is transferred/generated purely produced by the movement of...
  2. G

    Single phase generator problem

    A friend has a ?40-50 kVA, 240 V, single phase generator, of 1970s vintage, coupled directly to an engine. It was working fine but now produces no power at all. All the brushes and spring holders are fine, as are the fuses. I can't find a decent description/diagram of the internals, other than...
  3. S

    Why multiple turbines drive a single generator

    A common sense questions. Can anyone care to provide their insights?
  4. K

    Scrapped electrical motor -> generator

    Something like this was on this site, but I'm still not sure if this is possible. I have this concept of taking old appliances, disassembling them, and recombining components in useful ways. I'm wondering if I can use the electric motors, in, eg, washing machines as electrical generators if I...
  5. Kbement

    Need help shrinking turbine generator coils?

    Hey everyone, New to the site and I'm liking what I've come across so far but I'm having some trouble with a project of mine. I'm an ME by trade but this is definitely more of an electrical engineering problem. I need to make a small turbine generator that operates in a water wheel type design...
  6. B

    How Can I Enhance My Sound Generator Project with FFT and Digital Filters?

    So I have working code of a : FFT Digital low pass and high pass filter and sound generator What cool projects can I make which these ?
  7. D

    Turbine Efficiency with Generator load

    Hi, I have developed a 2KW hydro turbine prototype with a generator connected. Generator Type - Brushless DC Permanent Magnet (16Pol-18Slot) (2000Watts, 2000 RPM, 54VDC) Generator test report (by manufacturer) is given below; RPM Volts Current 1000 29.8...
  8. B

    Induced Voltage in a Generator

    Homework Statement I want to know the minus/plus sign of induced voltage of each rotor segment. Like in file no.3, equation 4-19, why (vxB)•l is not equal to eab instead? 2. Homework Equations equation 1-45: eind = (vxB)•l equation 4-19: eba = (vxB)•l = vBl (case I: positive into page under...
  9. B

    What is the Sign of Induced Voltage in Each Rotor Segment?

    Homework Statement I want to know the minus/plus sign of induced voltage of each rotor segment. Like in file no.3, equation 4-19, why (vxB)•l is not equal to eab instead? Homework Equations equation 4-19 and 1-45 The Attempt at a Solution I was searching on this book, but found nothing.[/B]...
  10. Q

    A Does an infinitesimal generator of acceleration exist?

    I am trying to determine what types of field theories have a Lagrangian that is symmetric under an Infinitesimal acceleration coordinate transformations. Does an infinitesimal generator of acceleration exist? How could I go about constructing this matrix?
  11. Alfredo722

    8 small 3-volt hobby motor/generator harvesting

    How difficult would it be to harvest the electrical out put of 8 small 3 volt motor/generator?
  12. S

    Current Rating of an AC Generator

    Hello, I'm a bit confused on the term current rating in an ac generator. Is it the one in that I can get in the formula: kW= V*I*PF*sqrt(3) ? or the one in kW= V*I*sqrt(3)? The problem is the data that I have is V, PF, kVA only. I can compute the kW using those data but I'm abit confused on...
  13. A

    Position of brushes on the commutator in a DC generator

    i am having a hard time understanding why do we place the brushes on the Magnetic neutral axis, the textbook simply says, because this is where the current reversal takes place, is the point where emf from different meet is the same as the point of current reversal?
  14. R

    DC Drive rating to run DC Shunt Generator

    What HP of DC Motor is required to run a 2.5 KW DC Shunt Generator?
  15. D

    Why does the value of u change with the orientation of the loop?

    Homework Statement https://goo.gl/wifHB3 {Image from: Electricity - Basic Navy Training Courses; NAVPERS 10622} http://imgur.com/a/Pm2Rl Here are two images, the one with colours is from my textbook. I don't understand why u is 0 when the thing inside is parallel with the ground and why...
  16. weezy

    Why is current in Van De Graaff generator so low?

    I know that current depends on the impedance and potential difference b/w two points so why does a van de graaff generator pose no serious shock hazard i.e. why the extremely low current between the generator and ground? As seen in this video demonstration the instructor safely touches the...
  17. M

    How Electromotive Force is Produced by Electric Generator?

    at 5:42 - What is Electromotive Force? Why does it make electrons move (make electric current) in one direction?
  18. V

    Find a Small, Low RPM Generator for Your DIY Turbine - 100-300RPM!

    Hi all, Does anyone know of, or can anyone point me in the right direction for where to find a small, low rpm generator? RPM can be anywhere in the range of 100-300RPM, and size would be around 50mm long. To put this into context, I am building a small turbine (~300mm diameter), which will...
  19. D

    Does anyway use escalators to generate electricty

    I was at a large baseball stadium today and they had escalators to bring everyone up to the upper levels at the beginning of the game. At the end of the game, when everyone was leaving, the escalators were shut off and blocked off and everyone was walking down ramps to exit. I was thinking it...
  20. C

    Using a DC Motor as a Generator

    So I'm working on a senior design project and was trying to use a DC motor to charge a battery. The point is to allow for quick use to charge a phone or a laptop in circumstances where you need a quick charge. We have lead-acid batteries connected in series and parallel to give us: 14,000mAh...
  21. J

    I think I may have found a renewable energy source

    Hello guys so I have this idea of mine which I can't get my head around and I need someone to tell me why it won't work, so let's say you have a fully pressurised tank of air and you blow that pressurised air at a turbine connected to a generator, ovisously the generator will then start to...
  22. G

    How does this specific Van de Graaff generator work?

    Hi. I have access to following Leybold Van de Graaff generator: The instructions and data sheet can be found here, but they don't give much insight. I have found different working principles of VdG generators. Some need the rising and falling sides of the belt to be closely together from top...
  23. F

    Hamiltonian as the generator of time translations

    In literature I have read it is said that the Hamiltonian ##H## is the generator of time translations. Why is this the case? Where does this statement derive from? Does it follow from the observation that, for a given function ##F(q,p)##, $$\frac{dF}{dt}=\lbrace F,H\rbrace +\frac{\partial...
  24. Clara Chung

    How Does Proximity to a Van de Graaff Generator Affect an Insulated Conductor?

    Homework Statement Why when an insulated conductor is placed very close to the Van de Graaff generator dome, the conductor will have an excessive charge of the same sign as the dome? What is an insulated conductor?! why can the charge travel in air? Homework Equations Electrostatics knowledge...
  25. E

    Is portable generator a good idea?

    I'm living in Canada.. It's been one week since we have no power in our home. We are finding it very difficult to do our works without the power supply. Last week there was a huge storm and we heard that many trees had fallen. So that may be the reason for the power cut. But we have to find some...
  26. R

    How to program a Pulse generator

    Hi there! is anyone here working with a pulse generator? I have Agilent 8114A Pulse generator i want to vary the frequency automatically like 1.1Hz to 10.1Hz with 1-2 secs delay. This pulse generator have a HP-IB bus at the back that can connect in a PC. Base on the Manual it can program using...
  27. J

    Applied physics of current probe / generator clamps

    Im studying Maxwell's equations in a part time degree and I starting thinking in job about a particular task we perform... The situation In work we have a power cable and attach two items to it. One current-clamp-loop-generator (ferrite core wound N turns with wire) and one...
  28. L

    Starting problem of a generator....

    my generator create some problem. when i run it after some time it off automatically. how can i solve this problem. have any idea?
  29. RedDelicious

    What is cutting lines of force? Elementary Generator

    I was reading this article on Wikipedia about single phase generators and the operation of a basic generator, and I'm having a very difficult time understanding what is meant by cutting lines of force and how the rotating armature being perpendicular to the field cuts zero lines. While when it...
  30. D

    Ohm's law and using motor as generator

    hello i was wondering about how a dc motor would work as a generator and how the voltage and current would scale with ohms law. for example let's say i had a 350 watt motor that's 36 volts and generates 9.72 amps now let's say i use that motor as a generator but only generate 200 watts how would...
  31. Look

    I A limits problem (fractal initiator & generator)....

    Hi, I am confused by the following diagram when I try to understand it in terms of limit as done by Real-analysis: What I currently understand is as follows: Let the finite length of the straight orange line be X>0. The rest of the non-straight orange lines (in this particular case, the...
  32. A

    Cogging torque in coreless axial flux PMG (permanent magnet generator)

    Hi to all. I am simulating a "core less axial flux PMG". This PMG has significant cogging torque. I don't know where this torque comes from because this is a core less generator therefor there is no slot in stator ( no reluctance variation).
  33. M

    What Battery Bank Size Do I Need to Replace My 1250 kVA Diesel Generator?

    Hello, I have a bit of an issue and can't figure out how to find out the answer. I want to understand how to find out what battery I would need if I want to scrap the diesel generator I have and go for a battery bank. I have a 1250 kVA rated generator. PF is 0.85, Rated voltage is 400V, rated...
  34. A

    Problems Building a Van De Graaff Generator

    I have been trying to build a small Van de Graaff generator based on the designs found here: http://rimstar.org/equip/build_make_van_de_graaff.htm Unfortunately I haven't been having much luck. How can I improve it...
  35. D

    A Understanding Function Generator Noise for Calibrating Noise Measurements

    I want to calibrate my measurement setup for noise measurements. I have taken some measurements but I need to confirm that my measurement correlates with the Johnson noise theory. To do this, I have tried measuring resistors but I seem not to get the right results. My supervisor then...
  36. V

    Piggot type generator, Magnets

    I'm back in school after decades away and taking alternative energy .. just because it was interesting. In the wind power class we talked about Hugh Piggot and the home brew HAWTs he makes and teaches. That gave me the bug to see if I can do it. I'm pretty sure I can buy a used turbine on EBay...
  37. Borrah Campbell

    Build a Low-Voltage Negative Ion Generator w/ AA Batteries

    Howdy! How do I build a small low-voltage ion generator? The simplest possible design; we'er talking AA batteries here with step-by-step instructions... Any links or advice would be graciously accepted / appreciated. Here is a youtube video of the thing I want in case I'm not describing it...
  38. K

    Anyone know how much torque a 550kva generator will make?

    im working on making a diesel/electric semi conversion on one of the trucks at work. does anyone know how much torque a 550kva generator will make, top rpm rating is 1200 and 50hz, engine is a c15 caterpillar running 410kw. having a really hard time finding the answer, any help would greatly be...
  39. O

    Salient and Non-Salient pole Synchronous Generator

    Hi, I was wondering if some kind soul could explain to me why salient pole machines are preffered in hydropower? From what I've read salient pole machines are preffered for applications with "low" rpm, while non-salient poles are used for applications that runs at higher rpm. O What is the...
  40. cnh1995

    Synchronous generator under load

    A synchronous generator is connected to the grid through a reactane of j0.65 pu. The grid voltage is 1 pu and the generator is feeding 0.7+j0.6 pu power to the grid. After some calculations, the generated emf is found to be 1.46 ∠18.12° pu. If the active power is increased such that new complex...
  41. Sveral

    Connecting an External Audio Source to a DDS-100 Function Generator

    Hello, I wanted to know, if it`s possible and how it to go about connecting an external audio source, for example, an mp3 player to the circuit of a DDS-100 Function generator, so that it outputs the audio from the mp3 in the selected wave form...
  42. D

    Turbine rpm with generator load

    Hi, I have developed a hydro turbine (reaction type) I am testing the turbine for 3 bar input pressure (30 meter head). The turbine diameter is 30 inches. Torque produced is 109 Nm with 600 RPM without the generator (no load). As per Torque and RPM, power available at shaft (without generator)...
  43. J

    Effect of number of coils on current in a generator?

    Hello everyone and thank you for your replies in advance. I am currently doing a physics project where I am testing to see how the number of coils of wire effects the current generated when a magnet is run through the coil. I am currently just dropping the magnet through the coil from a constant...
  44. CaptainAtom1996

    Have you ever repaired a violin before?

    Hello all! So, my father works as a general contractor (I would work for him over the summers during high school). Being that we live in some what of a rural area, for some of our jobs we would be limited to bringing a gasoline powered generator to run all of our electrical needs until we were...
  45. G

    Factors affecting generator life and performance

    Hi I am a student who wants to know what factors apart from environmental factors affect the life and performance of a generator. I think that the load also would affect the life if so How? Also are there any other factors. Do let me know ..thanks
  46. cnh1995

    Understanding Rotor MMF in Induction Generators: Magnetizing or Demagnetizing?

    In a 3-phase induction motor, rotor current demagnetizes the air gap and hence, stator draws more current (to keep the flux constant), which is the reflection of rotor current. This is like a rotating transformer which consumes active power. An induction generator on the other hand, supplies...
  47. L

    Synchronous generator phasor diagram

    1. Problem Statement: A 4-pole, star-connected, 50 Hz, 11kV, 40 MVA turbogenerator, with a synchronous reactance of 0.8 p.i., is connected to a power network. This power network can be represented by 11-kV infinite bus with a series reactance of j 0.5 Ω. A voltage regulator adjusts the field...
  48. HueHue

    What Generator for Hydropower Demonstration Setup?

    Ok, So I'm bulding a prototype of a hydropower plant, that will be used to teach kids. I have NO CLUE about what generator to use. So here's how it works (check the attached pic): - We have a water tank - A pump pulls the water from the tank - the water is used in a pelton wheel - a generator...
  49. X

    Is a Grounded ATV Generator Coil a Half-Wave System?

    I had a friend contact me regarding helping him out with lights on his ATV. I don't get to work on powersports vehicles much but occasionally folks contact me when they have electrical issues. Here's a link to a wiring diagram for the vehicle (it's a late 80s TRX250R)...
  50. DevonZA

    Power output/input, energy input, efficiency of engine & generator

    Homework Statement Homework Equations P=2piNT/60 P=I^2R Pin=Pout/efficieny E=P/t The Attempt at a Solution 2.1 P=I^2R = (5)^2x48 = 1200W 2.2 Pin=Pout/efficiency = 1200/0.86 = 1395.35W 2.3 P=2piNT/60 *3100.78=2pi(500)T/60...
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