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. U

    How to unscrew a nut from a generator

    I was hoping with the academics and engineers present on this forum, somebody could enlighten me. I have a generator with a nut on the end of the rotating shaft. However, if I try to unscrew it, the entire shaft rotates with it, and I can't hold the shaft still because it seems the nut's torque...
  2. O

    How do we determine the ideal size for our wind turbine's generator?

    Hi! I'm working on a project where we are building a windturbine from the bottom up. Myself and a colleague are designing a double stator axial flux generator for our turbine. Our requirements are that we deliver about 10 W at nominal rotation speed. It's a direct axis driven generator...
  3. alexandria

    Electric generator and how it functions

    Homework Statement im trying to understand how an electric generator works Homework Equations no equations required The Attempt at a Solution here is a diagram of an electric generator, and a small section of what my lesson was trying to explain: [/B] so this was the explanation from my...
  4. L

    Power System, synchronous generator

    Sorry for bad title(little informative regarding my question), however I came across the following question given as an exam question at some university. Question: "A synchronous generator is running overexcited with excitation voltage Ef = 1.40 p.u and connected to the network at voltage of 1...
  5. D

    Charge on van de graaff generator

    Is there any easy way to determine the charge on a van de graaff generator based on the voltage?
  6. B

    Synchronous Generator Homework: Finding Required Field Current and Input Torque

    Homework Statement The Attempt at a Solution First up, part a. The first one is really simple. The generator is working at its rated voltage of 13.8kV, right? So, would the required field current not be just 225 Amps? Next, part b. To sort of explain what's going on, I first found the...
  7. J

    Impedance of a 5kW generator (synchronous single phase)

    Hi everyone! As a Belgian student electrical engineering, I am going to Peru this summer with Humasol vzw, a development organisation that works with engineering students. Our job is to build a hydro turbine next to a small river to provide a little community with electricity. Also part of our...
  8. loki4000

    Lorentz’s law of voltage for ac-generator

    Homework Statement Greetings So i was trying to solve following prolems: Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I did manage to solve problem 22 using E = NAB(2pi * f) E = (100)(0.005)(0.9)(2pi)(50) = 141.372 v But I have no idea what to do with problem 21. Mostly because I don't know...
  9. Metals

    In an Alternator, is the armature an electromagnet?

    Hey, I'm lightly studying 'Generating' as a topic in my Physics curriculum. I have just been introduced to an AC Generator, an Alternator, and I have a simple question: Is the armature in an alternator an electromagnet? From my understanding, there is a U-Shaped length of wire(s) which...
  10. S

    Generator efficiency in a vacuum

    If you had a generator in a vacuum with a magnetically levitated rotor and power was drawn from the system by induction, use your imagination on the design of the device, but my question is: Where are the flaws in this concept? (Since perpetual machines are theoretically impossible). In other...
  11. P

    Maximizing Current Output of BLDC Generator for Power Generation Project

    I'm using the following BLDC motor as part of a project to generate power: http://www.rcdude.com/Cobra-C-3520-18-Brushless-Motor-p/c-3520-18.htm I'm able to spin this motor to about 3000 RPMS which gives me about 5 Volts. This is to be expected given that the motor is rated at 550 KVs. I'm...
  12. U

    High Efficiency Low RPM Generators: Powering Your Needs at Just 20-50 RPM

    Are there generators out there that run on very, very low rpm? We're talking in the range of 20-50 rpm and no more. Power is not the biggest concern, but still is a factor.
  13. J

    Number of wire turns to make a Magnet Generator

    I'm trying to make my own simple magnet generator project Like these: http://amasci.com/amateur/coilgen.html http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Electric-Generator with the following materials: 2 1.5X1.5X1/8" square magnets https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011FNB7WK/?tag=pfamazon01-20...
  14. T

    Thistle tube height when setting up gas generator

    For a gas generator like this, I have seen diagrams of the thistle tube in the water, below the other tube or above it, where is it meant to be? Also, where is the other tube meant to be because I have seen it in multiple positions. Thanks!
  15. S

    Can a Minn Kota trolling motor be used as an electric generator?

    I am trying to figure out whether I can use a small Minn Kota trolling motor as an electric generator. If I add a 10" prop the max energy from the water passing the prop should be about 700W and if the prop is 50% efficient, it should put half of that on the shaft. I expect the prop to turn...
  16. deckart

    Build a 48 VDC Generator with a 50 hp electric motor

    You can select any type of motor. I'm going to spin it at a varying RPM and with a varying torque. The combination of torque and RPM will be capable of 50 hp intermittently. I can limit the maximum RPM but lower is better as I can leave out a gearbox. No different than what they probably use in...
  17. PhiowPhi

    Types of opposing forces in a generator, and a motor

    I keep going back to this, but I get confused when imagining everything. I'll start off with a motor: Basic set-up fixed magnets of a uniform magnetic field and a conductive armature that has current flowing, the armature experiences a torque(due to the the Lorentz force), and the armature gains...
  18. T

    What Happens to Flux in an Induction Motor When Short Circuited?

    Just a curiosity about what happens to the flux, when you short circuit an induction machine. Say there is an initial flux and you're rotating the shaft of an IM and then you short circuit the stator, so no doubt you'll get large currents in the stator, but those large currents, will they cause...
  19. S

    Find maximum W for a generator

    Homework Statement So a generation with an internal resistance r delivers a voltage E. The generator is connected to a electrical circuit with a resistance R. The work W done each second in sending a current through a circuit with a resistance R is given by W =E^2*R/(R+r)^2. For constant r...
  20. J

    220V Split Phase Generator for International Use

    I am trying to convert a 240/120V 60Hz genset for international use, specifically for China at the moment. I need 50 Hz, which I can achieve by slowing the engine down and making the necessary changes to the voltage regulator in the generator. I can also adjust my Line-to-Line voltage to the...
  21. ranju

    Synchronous Generator: OCC & Residual Magnetism

    Homework Statement Is there no residual magnetism in case of synchronous machines? Actually I had this doubt because of the OCC of alternator as when the field current is zero the generated value of the machine is also zero unlike the dc machines..why is it so?? Homework EquationsThe Attempt...
  22. L

    Fuel efficiency, turbine vs stroke generator

    Hi, I'm trying to figure which is more fuel efficient, turbine vs stroke generators. This honda stroke engine generator does 1000w for 3.8 hrs with 0.6 gallons of fuel or 2.3 liters, so the power per liter of fuel is 1,300 kW. http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu1000i Then I...
  23. A

    I Way of producing 600kHz longitudinal waves - Piezo or siren

    Hello! My name is Nick and I have an MSc in Computer Science, I'm also Physics enthusiast and amateur/independent researcher. I would like to ask for your help on something. I'm currently trying to find a way to study ultrasonic waves' effects on water and I'd like to find a means of...
  24. ranju

    Does opposing cross flux with interpoles aid in commutation in a dc generator?

    Homework Statement See , in the methods of improving the commtuation , one of the method is using interpoles now what I think that interpoles aids commutation by nullifying the reactance voltage in the conductors. Though this point is mentioned with the working but it is also mentioned that...
  25. R

    Big rotor vs multiple small rotors in a Permanent Magnet Generator

    Hello guys, I am trying to build a permanent magnet generator, I have 48 magnets and 18 coils, and I am hesitating betwen 2 configurations. Configuration A: 2 huge steel plates with 24 magnets on each and an 18 coil stator between them or Configuration B: 4 smaller plates stacked to sandwich 3...
  26. J

    Find the maximum voltage of an AC generator

    Homework Statement The sinusoidal voltage output from the AC generator oscillates between 500 V and -500 V. The circuit for an ideal transformer is constructed with a generator, transformer and a 30 Ω resistor . The generator makes 4 loops with the transformer and the resistor makes 9 loops...
  27. Z

    Quiz Generator for Adaptive Learning - Khan Academy Alternative

    I am looking for a question generator that adapts to a student's level, and continues to ask basic questions as new topics are learned. Khan Academy is close, but once a subject is mastered Kahn stops giving questions on the subject, and I then tend to forget the approach to the problem. Does...
  28. S

    I want to create an ultrasonic generator amplifier w/ MOSFET

    Firstly, I'm only a beginner at electronics and most of my knowledge comes from googling things. I have (several) ultrasonic transducers (100 watt 40 khz) i'd like to drive with my ultrasonic generator (100 watts 40 khz) but I'd like to up the amplitude of my transducers because I want the...
  29. S

    Exploring the Possibilities of Spark Generation with a Van De Graaff Generator

    If you run a wire from the outside surface of the dome to the inside of the same dome, would it be possible to make a spark to the inside surface of the same dome?
  30. A

    Work needed to rotate armature of a generator

    Pls give me an eq relating work needed to rotate armature of generated
  31. J

    Calculating Heat Loss for Improved Efficiency in a Steam Generator Design

    At current I am trying to redesign a steam generator as seen in the picture attached, the requirements for this are as follows: · The water contain must have a minimum capacity of 2.25 litres · The heat loss as boiling point shall not exceed 75W in ambient of -3 C +/- 1 C · The fan shall have...
  32. Goldisach

    How to find Fuel consumption for 10 MW Gas Generator

    Hi I am working on Bio Gas Project and I want to know calculations/Formulas to find out elements of Generator. I am MBA students and i have to submit my project report with to start up new firm on renewable energy. Please submit can share your knowledge to help me.
  33. cnh1995

    Direct loading of synchronous generator

    What is the exact procedure for finding regulation of a synchronous generator by direct loading? We have it in our syllabus..For full load,I know the initial steps till the rated voltage is obtained at rated speed on no load. But when the load is switched on, my book says: 1.Terminal voltage...
  34. B

    AC Power vs. Field Current of a DC Generator: Explained

    I am trying to understand this curve; it is AC Power vs. Field Current of a DC Generator. I am not sure what its significance is? What it's telling me? Can someone please explain it to me? See attached image. BTW... Pac = AC Power If = field current Poc = open circuit...
  35. L

    Why are DC generator loops wired in a non-traditional manner?

    Given a simple DC generator with a single loop in the presence of a magnetic field such as the one below, typically, the analysis involves how each rectangular loop's terminal ends up on opposite sides of an armature housing each of the coils. The analysis is fairly straightforward to then...
  36. Baluncore

    What is the effect of permanent magnet strength in generator

  37. cnh1995

    Synchronous generator excitation

    I recently read about synchronous generator and some things really confuse me.. How does the excitation affect reactive power? I don't understand their relation.. For constant load and variable excitation, how does the power factor change? Icosø remains the same but both I and cosø change with...
  38. H

    Which rating of generator i can use for 07KW load

    Hello friends, I am doing my collage project in which main concept is to produce electricity from speed backer and want to use this energy for street light. now my que is my total load will be max 0.7 KW and i have no more idea about generator selection so can you please suggest the generator...
  39. B

    Induction Generator at no load

    Hi all, Assume a standalone synchronous generator feeding power to a single induction machine which is made to run as induction generator at super-synchronous speed without any external electrical load connected to the machine busbars. What will be the behavior of the induction machine under...
  40. Salvador

    Axial Flux Generator: Connecting Coils in Series for Single Phase Output

    Hi, in an axial flux generator if the flux passing through any of the coils at any given time constant is in the same direction , can all the separate coils be connected in series as to create a single phase output? in permanent magnet rotor this would mean that the rotor disc facing from one...
  41. AliGh

    CSS3 and HTML5 generator program?

    I'm looking for a program or an IDE which generates HTML5 and CSS3 (Would be better if it could generate some javascript too) any suggestions ? I saw some websites like : css3generator.com They are good but i want something that i can use offline and easily accessible
  42. L

    Why is the negative sign in the equation for motional EMF often discarded?

    I'm trying to understand how electric generators work on a very basic level. I understand the heart of this is the application of the Lorentz force on a conductor moving at a velocity ##v## in the presence of a magnetic field ##B##. I also understand how it can be shown that the emf is equal to...
  43. N

    Using a motor or alternator to generate electricity

    I'm looking into building a 7 1/4 gauge Diesel Electric Locomotive I will be using 4x 1hp (or 1 1/3hp) 24vDC permanent magnet motors for the traction motors. What I am looking for is someway of generating 24vDC with a 100-150A max output. (Im using a 3cyl 16hp Diesel engine to drive a...
  44. N

    Building a Miniature Diesel Electric Locomotive: Power Generation Explained

    Hi Everyone, I'm looking into building a Miniature Diesel Electric Locomotive. (7 1/4 in Gauge) I'm struggling with trying to get my head round the idea of power generation... Thanks
  45. A

    Engine & Generator - Can Speed Increase Work?

    is it possible by increasing speed to 3000 rpm from 1500 rpm and reduce the hp half of engine that operates the alternator(for example in case 15hp engine reduce to 7.5hp for doing same work by doubling the rpm)?
  46. T

    Voltages used in carnivals, fairs, etc.

    I have been wondering for some time about the power systems used in carnivals and fairs to power the rides. Is there a standard voltage used, like 480 VAC for instance, or is it even standardized? It looks to me like it is 3 phase, based on the cables I usually see. Typically 4 individual...
  47. D

    Capactor as static electricity generator

    Suppose I first charge a capacitor so that one plate is positively charged and another negatively. Now I remove the charging source and ground only one of the terminals say negative terminal, will there be a net positive charge in the capacitor that can be detected by a pith ball? Can a...
  48. cnh1995

    Loading a synchronuos generator

    In synchronous generator, field electromagnet rotates and induces voltage in the stator coils. So, when the generator is loaded, it slows down. If the field is stationary and armature is conducting (as in dc generators), there will be "current carrying conductor in a magnetic field", resulting...
  49. B

    AC Generator With Repelling Magnets

    Hi Everyone, I have 4 scenarios in question . Will The EMF(Voltage) be the same in all of the scenarios? - the difference between the two photos are the polls: one repel one attract . - i understand that the current(amps) will change due to the wire length assuming same gauge 1) Photo...
  50. Luke Cohen

    If the angular frequency of the generator exceeds 1/sqrt(LC)

    Homework Statement If the angular frequency of the generator exceeds 1/sqrt(LC), the average energy stored in the inductor is greater than the average energy stored in the capacitor. True of False? Can someone explain to me the derivation of this answer? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a...
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