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. S

    What is the effect of the capacitor value on an induction generator?

    Can anyone tell me what effect the value of the capacitor in an induction generator has. I am generating 230V, at an unknown speed. I am not particularly concerned about the generated frequency, but I want to run the thing at higher revs, and would like to know whether I need to reduce the...
  2. A

    Connecting dc generators in series

    Hi, I want to connect multiple small dc generators in series to increase the power , it is possible ? What are the problems that i might face while doing it ?
  3. J

    Generator Project: Designing a Self-Powered System with Batteries & PLC

    I'm a graduating student of Electrical Engineering Technology (3 years) and so one of our graduating subject is thesis. We decided to make a generator that can supply the house and supply itself by giving some of the power to back to the motor which rotates it. We also included batteries and...
  4. O

    Weight Driven Generator Calculations

    Hello! I am in the beginning stages of designing a system that would drive a generator using gravity - similar to an old grandfather clock. I have a couple of questions about my assumptions/design that I am stuck on: - I found a motor which is rated 6v-12v DC, 188 RPM @ 12V with no load, and a...
  5. S

    Generator / induction formulas help

    Hi , before I ask I want to say that I have done my “ homework” I did a search on this forums and I found a few hits but I couldn’t quite understand them or the numbers turned out wrong after I did my calculations. So I wanted to make a fresh thread , hope you folks will guide me , thanks. So I...
  6. C

    Comp Sci How to Create a Java Program for Generating Custom Passwords?

    Homework Statement import java.util.Scanner; import java.util.Random; public class Passwords { public static void main(String[] args) { Scanner in = new Scanner(System.in); Random r = new Random(); System.out.println(" Password...
  7. R

    Random combination of letter generator

    Does anyone know where I can go to figure out how to generate a random 3-4 letter sequence BUT with every click that sequence is stored in an array and can not come up again?
  8. A

    Van de graaff generator as a current source

    I know that van de graaff generator is a high voltage generator, i was wondering though if we can use it as a current source, if we get any resistor, connect the negative terminal to the generator "if the generator generates negative charge " then ground the positive terminal, then any charge...
  9. J

    Three Phase Generator: Knowledge Sharing

    Dear all, please could you share with me your knowledge about three phases generator? I would like to know exactly how current flow back to generator. For example what is exact way of current from generator (1). What line is using as return path for it. And also do not know how it is possible...
  10. C

    Idea of generating electricity

    hello to everyone, first of all I apologies for my bad english the idea is - i will use 2 KW motor to spin a 50 KW alternator or generator. the cost to buy electricity is 17 p/kWh and to sell it to the grid is 5.1 p/kWh so my motor will use 48 kW in 24h with a cost of 8.16 pounds in 24 hours...
  11. D

    Use moon as generator w earths magnet field

    A moving magnetic field will produce current in a wire. The Earth's magnet field goes beyond the moon. Does that mean bases on the moon could somehow get free energy from a coil setup as it's effectively perpetually moving through Earth's magnetic field?
  12. S

    Van de Graaff Generator : Limiting factor on Voltage

    Many sources talk about the field inensity (and therefore arcing/breakdown) on the outside of the dome as a limiting factor on the highest voltage that can be possibly reached on a VDG machine. There are also references to possible dielectric breakdown along the belt itself. I am wondering if...
  13. S

    Homopolar generator / Faraday disc

    Hello everyone , as for starters I would like to ask two questions. As I've been reading about the homopolar generator I have the basic understanding of all the workings yet here are my questions. Since the rotatig disc produces a current within while rotating in an axial magnetic field...
  14. B

    Induction Generator connected to a standalone Synchronous generator

    Hi all, This particular query is purely theoretical. Assume a standalone synchronous generator feeding power to a single induction machine (the only connected load) which is made to run as induction generator at super-synchronous speed. What will be the prevailing electrical conditions in such...
  15. E

    Heat pump electricity production

    Greetings. I just want to understand heat pumps. As far as I know - they keep a house warmer than it could be using a regular electric radiator, using the same amount of energy. I am wondering - if a heat pump outputs, say, 3 kW of heat energy from 1 kW of input electric energy from the grid (or...
  16. Heros

    Uncovering the Mystery of Non-Linear Torque in Muscle-Powered Energy Conversion

    Hi, i didnt know where to put this question cos its kind of multitopic, here is why... I am working on a better way to take mechanical energy from muscles, i made a teste bench for pedalling in very different ways, including traditional(circular) pedalling, the thing is. I am measuring the power...
  17. J

    A function generator that cannot kill you? Very low currents.

    Hi, I am looking for a function generator that if you hooked up to yourself, wouldn't kill you. I need something that can output very low currents through the skin without harm. Honestly a 9V battery causes too high of a current for my purpose, but I do need to very finely tune the current. Can...
  18. S

    Transient Stability in industrial network

    Hi All I have done transient stability simulations on isolated electrical network using ETAP 7.5 software. Problem: On buses Faults generators return to stable stade But on cable faults, rotor angle is diverged so the system is not stable. To be noted that we have 2 SOLAR generators of 5MW...
  19. H

    Induction motor generator capacitor

    Hope I can get some help here. I have a 1-1/2 hp. 115/230 volt single phase induction motor I want to use as a small generator. currently it's wired for 115 volt I need help with the math to calculate the proper capacitor/s to use. Running no load amps as a motor draws 18 amps. Name plate...
  20. H

    Alternator for thermal generator (Coal-fired generator)

    I am doing a project on coal fired generator and I don't really know how my Alternator will work. I'm currently trying to use a 2 pole stator, 5 former making 1 pole, single phase alternator. These are the problems : how do I calculate/obtain the power rating of my alternator/ generator does the...
  21. T

    How Can I Design a 13MHz Sine Wave Signal Generator with 30-40V Output?

    I am very new to circuit design so any help is much appreciated. I need to design a signal generator that will output about 30V-40V peak to peak at 13MHz (sine wave) If the signal generator is not able to, then I need some kind of amplifier. So far I have looked into Hartley and Colpitts...
  22. M

    What Affects Generator Load and Fuel Consumption?

    What I know is there 2 friction; Air resistance and Weight of rotor? Is load of generator consider as friction? I noticed that when generator's load is half, fuel consumption is reduced (but RPM and frequency is still same). I tried to think how that, although weight of rotor is constant. does...
  23. D

    Revolutionize Drilling with the Earthquake 800W Inverter Generator!

    Hi, I found a great generator, Earthquake 800 watt inverter style that is quiet and runs 14 hours on a gallon. BUT the Bosch SDS drill kills the engine, even if you barely pull the trigger. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FL89I2W/?tag=pfamazon01-20 I have a 750 watt inverter I hook up to 12V...
  24. M

    MHB A cyclic group with only one generator can have at most two elements

    Hey! :o Show that a cyclic group with only one generator can have at most two elements. I thought the following: When $a \neq e$ is in the group, then $a^{-1}$ is also in the group. So, when $a$ is a generator, then $a^{-1}$ is also a generator. Is this correct?? (Wondering) But I how can I...
  25. P

    Calibrated sine wave generator

    Imagine that you have a calibrated sine wave generator set at 900 Hz and you mix its signal with that of an uncalibrated generator also set at 900 Hz. You hear a beat frequency of 4 Hz. What is the true frequency of the uncalibrated generator? Is there more than one possibility? I'm...
  26. M

    Commutator of Boost Generator with Creation operator

    Homework Statement Given that U upon acting on the creation operator gives a creation operator for the transformed momentum $$U(\Lambda) a_p^\dagger U(\Lambda)^\dagger = a_{\boldsymbol{\Lambda} \mathbf{p}}^\dagger $$ and ##\Lambda ## is a pure boost, that is ## U(\Lambda) = e^{i...
  27. A

    Power Plant Load Spike: Get Advice Now

    Dear All, one of our power plant has load spike when engine is running in parrell operation 7 * (3.5MW) capacity. one engine suddenly down the load at zero kw in three seconds again load pick at full load . this engine had an accident of generator blast last year. please advise
  28. A

    Generator neutral grounding (NGR)

    Dear All here we have two examples of Generator Nuteral Grounding my question about Earth switch closing Example -1 if three generators are in operation and one earthing switch is closed, can we close generator-2 or generator-3 earthing switch closed at a time of parallel operation? yes...
  29. C

    Portable generator for my home

    I have a portable generator for my home. it puts out a total of 80 amps at 240v with no problem. what it does not have is a single 80 amp connector. I have a 50amp and a 30 amp. my plan is to connect these both to the CB in the transfer box to attain the full 80 amps to my home. a local...
  30. J

    I don't understand the term "load angle" of the syncrhonous generator

    I am studying the behavior of the magnetic fields between the rotor field and stator field(armature reaction) in a synchronous generator . I understand that the stator magnetic flux will vary depending on the power factor of the load (leading, lagging or resistive). If the load is resistive, the...
  31. G

    Current measurement of a PM DC generator

    Hi, I'm trying to use a small PM DC motor as a generator to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. I couple that small generator to another DC motor with spur gears and I measure the current of that small generator while it is driven by the DC motor at fixed speed. The circuit of...
  32. Y

    New to building a wind generator -- Need help

    I thought it is easy when I was watching all sorts of instruction videos. However, now I have Fisher and Paykel stator and rotor, and I cannot solve how rotor is suppose to spin. The magnets are so strong that I do not think any wind will be able to move it. When I received my parts, I had hard...
  33. M

    Wind Turbine with Generator & Gearbox on the Ground?

    I have often wondered why conventional large wind turbines have evolved with their generators and gearboxes in the nacelle at the top of the tower where they are hard to reach and maintain. Despite this fact, I wish to believe that there may be benefits to a conventional horizontal shaft wind...
  34. Eagle9

    How does the Random number generator works?

    Unfortunately I did not find suitable section to post this topic, if there is suitable one you may move it there. It is shown in the science documentary film “Through the Wormhole” (Season 2, episode 5 called "Is There a Sixth Sense?") how the consciousness acts on the Random number...
  35. gaba

    EMF generator from audio speaker

    Hello everybody, I am trying to figure out how to build an electro magnetic generator. I was wondering if an audio transducer such a speaker could act as a EMF generator, when the paper woofer is removed and the device connected to a function generator and an amplifier, in order to play the...
  36. gaba

    EMF generator from audio speaker

    Hello everybody, I am trying to figure out how to build an electro magnetic generator in order to stimulate my home and my brain with beneficial frequencies such as the Schumann resonance and doing perceptive experiments on all the surrounding frequencies. I was wondering if an audio transducer...
  37. F

    Relatively simple question about building a generator

    Hi, I'm interested in building a gas powered DC generator to charge a small 36 volt battery bank. I think a 500w 36volt generator would do fine, but my question is, what would be a minimum displacement necessary to turn the generator? Basically, the smallest, most efficient, gas engine to charge...
  38. C

    Faraday's paradox: homopolar generator on a train

    There is a homopolar generator on a train moving at 215 km/h. The magnet of the generator is attached to the disk so they would rotate together, but they are stationary now, except that they are moving along with the train. Is there any current generated by the generator? I expect the answer...
  39. F

    Choosing a generator for a wave energy demonstrator

    Hey! I am building a small scale wave energy converter for testing in a wave tank. I have my device almost ready, but I am still missing a generator. My idea is to just to show that my design works and I can light a light bulb. I can convert my linear motion to rotary motion. Then I can use...
  40. D

    On the record, what is the most efficient generator ever built?

    I have no idea of our current capability in designing generators, have we reached 90% efficiency or we're not even close? Could it ever be possible to reach values higher than that with our current technologies? Current generators have an average efficiency of what? And what might be the highest...
  41. V

    How to build a function generator

    I have to deliver a project for my analog electronics course and I wanted to build a synthesizer (the simplest version possible since I am a total beginner at this). It would basically be a function generator with a knob used to control the frequency (with maybe banana plugs for sound output)...
  42. Steven Ellet

    Basic Diodes/Van de Graaff generator

    What is the name of the most basic diode? I know that there are quite a few types of diodes, but all I want is one that will force electricity to flow in one direction and do nothing else. ________________________________________________________________ On an unrelated note, how would a Van...
  43. D

    Speed the generator need to be driven to give an output of 240V D.C?

    1. The question is "what speed will the generator need to be driven to give an output of 240V D.C?" the generator is constructed using one pole pair having a sq surface of 6cm x 6cm and produces a flux of 18mWb. It has 4 commutator segments. 2. Possibly F = (P * N) / 120? I am not sure 3. F =...
  44. Z

    Build an E-Bike w/ Generator | Power Setup & Motor Specs

    I want to build an electric bike that has a small lightweight power generator for maximum range. The law here in Norway prohibit gasoline powered bicycles and electric bikes are limited to a maximum effect of 250w. Recharging the battery takes a long time and therefore having a power generator...
  45. M

    How excitation happens in power plants generator? like dams

    Hello I tried to look for the answer but didn't find enough one for being satisfied How excitation happens in big generators? If we produce electricity from electromagnet on the rotor, and electromagnets need electricity to be activated... and this happens by excitater on same rotor! and this...
  46. J

    Modelling Steam generator with P controller and 4-20mA signal to valve

    Hi . I am modeling a sodium steam generator in Octave. I build a set of differential equations and solve them with Octave DAE solver. My model works just fine. Now i would like to start implementing controls but I am quite confused with P conroler output signal and with what it actually...
  47. M

    Static Electricity Generator

    I am using a negative ion generator module that I purchased to generate a static electric charge in a 4' x 7' aluminized mylar blanket. I made a cage out of 3/4" PVC tubing to hang the mylar from (vertically) - I want to suspend the mylar from the PVC so that the mylar is insulated from any...
  48. D

    Motor Powering Generator Efficiency

    What do I look for to determine the efficiency factor to know how many watts I can get out of a generator given a specific known HP sized engine? Example: 12.6 HP gives 9395 Watts from the standard HP to Watts conversion... however on a Markon generator, the spec sheet says that a 12.6 HP...
  49. T

    AC generator calculation question

    1. Calculate the emf induced in ONE side of a coil of length 0.4m and width 0.3m, when there are 50 turns in the coil and the flux density is 96.8 mT, and the coil is rotated 30 degrees from the vertical. Frequency is 50 Hz and the long sides are the ones facing the magnets.
  50. ugenetic

    AC generator on grid: Governor and Amp

    Hi Forum, once again I seek your help I have a very good understanding of rotating magnetic field due to stator, armature reaction, and the phasor diagram. from energy point of view it is very clear that if Gov increases, while output voltage remains locked by the gird, Amp will increase...
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