What is Generators: Definition and 299 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. B

    Finding Generators for a Group G when Generators for Imh and Kerh are Known

    Hi, Algebraists: Say h:G-->G' is a homomorphism between groups, and that we know a set of generators {ki} for Imh:=h(G)<G' , and we also know of a set of generators {b_j} for Kerh . Can we use these two sets {ki} and {bj} of generators for Imh and Kerh respectively, to produce a set...
  2. T

    Dynamics of Clifford generators

    Trying to find the correct forum to post this, trying here because it is for a review essay I'm writing.. I've been trying to follow a proof in this paper: http://arxiv.org/abs/0804.4050v2" (page 9). The relevant build up: c_\mu are Clifford algebra generators, i.e...
  3. T

    Dynamics of Clifford generators (hopefully trivial)

    Hopefully this is the correct place to post this.. I've been trying to follow a proof in this paper: http://arxiv.org/abs/0804.4050v2" (page 9). The relevant build up: c_\mu are Clifford algebra generators, i.e. \{c_\mu,c_\nu\}=2\delta_{\mu\nu}I Consider a Hamiltonian of the form...
  4. B

    Why do electrical generators experience load effects?

    I was wondering why it is when you use the electricity from an electrical generator, it bogs the generator down? Shouldn't the draw off of electricity negate any sort of back flow there by making it easier on the generator to function?
  5. J

    Help me with some motors and generators Q

    Help me with some motors and generators Q! We are learning about motors and generators But I got completely lost when we started talking about Michael Faraday's work, Electromotive force, Electromagnetic induction, Lenz Law I get what Michael Faraday did, applying force to a conductor...
  6. A

    Are Noether charges a rep of the generators on the Hilbert space

    I'm trying to understand the relationship between conserved charges and how operators transform. I know that we can find conserved charges from Noether's theorem. If (for internal symmetries) I call them Q^a = \int d^3x \frac{\partial L}{\partial \partial_0 \phi_i} \Delta \phi_i^a then is it...
  7. O

    Electric Generators: Get More Power than You Put In?

    Question: If I have a motor that drives an alternator, is it possible to get more electricity out of the alternator than I put into the motor to turn the alternator? For example: I have a 12 volt DC motor with an approximate 3 to1 pully/belt/pully drive from the motor to the alternator...
  8. Y

    Six Generators of Group SO(4)

    Recently,I have read a article which referred "the six generators of group SO(4)".And who can tell me what are these generators and what are their matrix forms?
  9. A

    Number of generators of SU(n) group

    How do I calculate the number of generators of SU(n) group (which is extremely important in particle physics)? In the case of SO(n), I can do that using the physical interpretation of the group, i.e., it is related to rotations in n-dimensional Euclidean plane. What do I do in the case of SU(n)...
  10. A

    How do I calculate number of generators of SO(5)?

    The group SO(5) is relevant at times in particle physics. Can anybody please explain how to calculate the number of generators of SO(5)?
  11. L

    Generators of Lorentz Lie Algebra

    So the generators of the Lorentz Lie algebra relations obey [M^{\rho \sigma}, M^{\tau \mu}] = g^{\sigma \tau} M^{\rho \mu} - g^{\sigma \mu} M^{\rho \tau} + g^{\rho \mu} M^{\sigma \tau} - g^{\rho \tau} M^{\sigma \mu} where (M^{\rho \sigma})^\mu{}_\nu = g^{\rho \mu} \delta^\sigma{}_\nu -...
  12. R

    Understanding Generators: How to Predict Performance Before Building

    I was thinking if the strenght of the permanet magnet could be parallel to I , the rate at which the the magnet (or wire) rotates parallel to V & of course the wire resistance would go with R . If there is some type of way to determine the outcome of a generator before building it, starting it...
  13. G

    Number of generators of finite group

    Can someone give some clarification of why this would be the case: "A group with less then 1000 elements can be generated by less than 10 elements" Clearly this is the case for some groups, but is it really the case for any group with less than 1000 elements?
  14. I

    How *exactly* do you get the generators (1/2,1/2)

    With the Lorentz group (SO(1,3) = SU(2)xSU(2)), if you're working with the "true" SU(2) generators N^+_i and N^-_i (rather than the generators J_i and K_i), it is straightforward to find the form of the generators in either spinor rep (0,1/2) or (1/2,0) by setting either N^+ or N^- to zero and...
  15. neduet

    Between d.c generators and a.c generators

    Hi friends Between d.c generators and a.c generators only difference is commutator which rectified a.c to d.c. or any thing other. What need of d.c generator? Because I never see anywhere d.c generator thanks a lot
  16. C

    Where are the Linear Generators?

    I have been intigued by the linear generator concept. No one has really seemed to take this idea further. Maserati is integrating them into shock absorbers, and some have applied them to generate electricity from waves. But where are these generators, can you buy them, or look at the...
  17. L

    Exploring Group Order and Generators: A Look at Two Questions

    I have 2 questions: 1. Can anything be said about the order of a group from the order of its generators (or vice versa)? E.g. if a group G = <a,b>, is there any theorem that says the order of elements a, b is divisible by the order of G, or maybe, if G = <a,b>, then the order of G is the...
  18. N

    Electric Generators: Iron Core for Larger Current?

    I know that the iron core of a solenoid will result in a higher magnetic field than a hollow core when a current is running through it. I'm wondering if the reverse is true. Will an iron core result in a larger current when the solenoid is exposed to a changing magnetic field? I want to...
  19. N

    Cliffor group generators - matrix form ?

    Cliffor group generators - matrix form !? Hello friends, Someone know where I can found details (any book, paper, url, ...) about Clifford Group generators, in especial the general matrix form? In SU(2) we can manipulate the fact of the determinant is 1 and found the general matrix...
  20. D

    Silver instead of copper wire in electric generators?

    I'm wondering if it make much difference if they used silver instead of copper wire in electric generators? Also, how does switching from silver to copper wire affect the voltage and current, or does it just create some resistance?
  21. M

    How Do Magnet Strength, Gauss Rating, and Coil Windings Affect Generator Power?

    Me and a friend where talking about generators and this question came up, how does the strength of the magnets in the generator relate to the amount of power generated? with Google we managed to figure out that the speed relates to voltage and the magnetic field strength relates to amps, but...
  22. J

    Neutron Generators: Build, Usage, Pictures, Plasma Focus

    a) I need a simple description of how a Neutron Generator is built and how it works. b) Where can I see a picture of what a Neutron Generator looks like? c) What is a Plasma Focus (PF) Neutron Generator? d) Is PF the only type of Neutron Generator or are there other types?
  23. O

    Pauli Matrices as generators of SU(2)

    Why is it that the Pauli spin matrices ( the operators of quantum spin in x,y,z) are the generators of a representation of SU(2)? I understand that we use the 2X2 representation as it is the simplest, but why is it that spin obeys this SU(2) symmetry and how is it that we come up with the Pauli...
  24. M

    Single or multiple random number generators?

    I'm programming in Java and using the Random class and I'm not sure if it makes a difference whether I use a single accessible Random object for the whole program or if I should create multiple instances (one for each object needing it?). Are there disadvantages to using one instead of the...
  25. C

    Windmill Generators: Debunking the Noise Myth

    The first big myth about windmills and wind turbines is that they are very noisy. http://windpowerspecialist.com/articles_3.html
  26. E

    All electric power- Motor (AC and DC), generators

    Hey all, i have a summary report coming up which is assessed. I was just wondering if u guys could help out on the know how, terms and all the other stuff to go along with that stuff. Apparently the Summary has a 'prac' layed out like a case study i guess. The teacher said that we would need to...
  27. G

    Fully Electric car with wind generators

    I'm pretty sure someone somewhere has already built one, I've gone over the concepts involved and it does seem both practical and possible. The idea is this: electric-powered car that is recharged by several wind-generators(essentially fans on the roof) that recharge the batteries once the car...
  28. J

    Consequences of Stalled Vortex Generators on Diffuser Separation

    If I am using vortex generators in an attempt to delay diffuser separation what would the consequence be of the vortex generators stalling? For instance if I set them at and angle of attack to the flow that was past the stall point.
  29. malawi_glenn

    Lorentz Generators, Srednicki eq. 2.13

    Hello, I am trying to prove eq 2.13 in srednicki: \delta \omega _{\mu\nu}U(\Lambda)^{-1}M^{\mu\nu}U(\Lambda) = \delta \omega _{\mu\nu}\Lambda^\mu{}_{\rho}\Lambda^\nu{}_{\sigma}M^{\rho\sigma} where we have expanded the following and comparing the linear term...
  30. J

    Some confusion about Ballentine Sec 3.3 Generators of Gallilei Groups

    I am trying to do some self-study and plow through Ballentine's book on Quantum Mechanics. I thought I was following the majority of it until I got to Sec. 3.3, in particular the derivation of the multiples of identity for the commutators of these generators. For example, the commutator of...
  31. B

    Matrix reppresentation of poincare group generators

    Does anyone know what a matrix representation of the poincare group generators looks like (specifically the translation parts)? I've been trying to figure this out but I get matrices that are dependent on the group parameters.
  32. L

    Find Generators for Lorentz Transformation: Properties of Elements

    considering the group of Lorentz determines the elements that correspond to the representation (i,j) - (1/2,1/2) , (1,0),(0,1) find generators for this transformation and the properties which these elements to the group of rotation anyone know how i find theses generators and these...
  33. R

    Are generators efficient when powering only one small appliance?

    i am asking about the generators we use in house when there is a power failure(now a days people use inverters) here goes the question suppose the generator is running (max ouput is 1kw) but we are using a electric bulb(100w) is it running in its max potential or using less fuel compared to...
  34. K

    Where Can I Find Generators of R4?

    Hey Does anyone know where I can find the generators of the group of rotations in four dimensions? thanks!
  35. N

    Commutators of Lorentz generators

    Equation 2.14 of Srednicki is: U(\Lambda)^{-1} M^{\mu \nu} U(\Lambda) = \Lambda^{\mu}_{\,\,\rho} \Lambda^{\nu}_{\, \, \sigma} M^{\rho \sigma} He says that writing \Lambda = 1 + \delta \omega , one obtains the usual commutation relation of the M_{\mu \nu} : [ M^{\mu \nu},M^{\rho...
  36. S

    Unable to find generators of {G, Xn}

    Homework Statement Consider the group {G, Xn} where G is the set containing the n - 1 residue classes modulo n excluding 0. Which members are generators of {G, Xn} when n = 7? The Attempt at a Solution The right answers are 3 and 5. I get 2 only. My table of results 1: 1^1 = 1 2: 2^1 =...
  37. S

    Alternate Representations of Lorentz Generators Mμν

    I know the representations of Lorentz generators M\mu\nu as 4X4 matrices. This matrices satisfy the commutation relation(Lie algebra of O(3,1)) However I think these 4X4 matrix representations are not unique. Is there any other representations satisfying the commutation relation? 2X2...
  38. R

    Keeping Your Dog Safe in Cold Weather: Doghouses with Heat Generators

    1. Do you own a dog? 2. Is your dog ever in cold weather? 3. Does he have a doghouse with a heat generator? 4. Is your dog outside for extended periods of time?
  39. G

    Wind Power Generator: Small & Cheap Alternator Suggestions

    Hi, I'm trying to build a vertical wind powered turbine system and I'm have trouble finding a small, cheap generator/alternator to use. Does anyone have any suggestions?
  40. D

    Proving Cyclic Group Generators: An Exploration

    Homework Statement Prove any cyclic group with more than two elements has at least two different generators. Homework Equations A group G is cyclic if there exists a g in G s.t. <g> = G. i.e all elements of G can be written in the form g^n for some n in Z. The Attempt at a...
  41. J

    What's the relation between SUSY Generators and Covariant Derivatives?

    Hello once again. I'm trying to understand the relation between the superspace representation of the SUSY generators Q_\alpha,\overline Q_{\dot\beta} and the covariant derivatives on superspaces D_\alpha, \overline D_{\dot\beta}: Q_\alpha = \frac{\partial}{\partial\theta^\alpha} -...
  42. M

    Why the Six Generators of the Restrict Lorentz Group

    Why the six generator of the restrict lorentz group are the three rotation's generator(angular momentum) and the three boost's generator?
  43. S

    2 150kva generators feeding a 1200 amp service

    Can I feed a 1200 amp 3phase AC electrical service with 2 separate 150kva power sources? (the sources being 150kva 120/208 3phase gas powered generators) Are there any issues with harmonics from seperately derived systems? Will each phases voltage still be 120v or by combing 2 seperately...
  44. N

    Find Generators and relations analogous to (2.13) for the Klein four group.?

    Find Generators and relations analogous to (2.13) for the Klein four group.? (2.13) i^4=1, i^2=j^2, ji=(i^3)j. (a) Find Generators and relations analogous to (2.13) for the Klein four group. (b) Find all subgroups of the Klein four group. Please show steps! Thank you.
  45. J

    Motors & Generators practical investigation ideas

    Hey everyone I'm a physics student doing my last year of high school in Australia. For an assessment task I have to do a practical investigation on electric motors and generators but I am a bit lost on this subject. I need a few ideas that are easy to understand and prove/disprove using a...
  46. K

    Understanding Generator Capacity: Exploring Time Frame for Generating 100MW

    Hi all...people always tell that the machine has a generating capacity of say 100MW..now... my doubt is..in how much time it generates those 100MW..that is in a day or in an hour something like that? This may be a basic doubt...i don't know..but i can't help it... Thanx
  47. L

    Where do the electrons in a generator come from?

    The man who trained my to perform electrical construction had been doing that kind og work for over 30 years. We always wanted to know just where the electrons come from. You have a generator pumping a flow down the wire, but those electrons have to come from somewhere. so... where...
  48. M

    Calculating prop size for wind generators

    It's been a while since I've been in the classroom and I'm having trouble figuring this one out. I'm trying to create a wind turbine and I need to calculate the size of the prop needed to power and electrical generator. For ease of numbers let's say I'm using a 2800watt generator...
  49. L

    Constant frequency generators?

    Could you guys explain to me how a constant frequency generator regulates the voltage using thermistors, Wheatstone bridge and silicon controlled rectifiers.
  50. R

    Constructing the Generators of SU(8) Group in String Theory

    Hey folks, Anyone have any idea where I might find the generators of the SU(8) group, or how I might construct them?? Thanks! :smile:
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