Electric Generators: A College-Level Intro Guide

AI Thread Summary
Electric generators operate on principles similar to electric motors, where a DC motor can function as a generator when its shaft is turned by an external force. A recommended resource for understanding electric generators is "Electric Machines" by Hubert, which can aid in grasping the concepts and simulations related to the topic. The discussion highlights a common confusion among students regarding the basic mechanics of generators. Participants express their own lack of familiarity with electric machines, emphasizing the need for foundational knowledge. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of educational resources for mastering the subject of electric generators.
TomBombadil
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Hi,

My EM professor assigned me to make a paper about Electric Generators. But i have no idea how it works. Googling it, i found out that generators are similar to electric motors

So, i'd like to know a college level introductory book about electric generators that may help me understand and simulate stuff regarding electric generators.

thanks
 
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TomBombadil said:
Hi,

My EM professor assigned me to make a paper about Electric Generators. But i have no idea how it works. Googling it, i found out that generators are similar to electric motors

So, i'd like to know a college level introductory book about electric generators that may help me understand and simulate stuff regarding electric generators.

thanks

Electric Machines by Hubert:

http://www.google.com/products/cata...TofjBeStsAK72NSqBQ&ved=0CGkQ8wIwBQ#ps-sellers


CS
 
Welcome to PF, Tom.
Please believe me when I say that I mean no offense by this, but your question sort of makes me wonder whether or not I'm still on the same planet that I was born on. We built electric motors in grade 6. (Really small ones, mind you... nothing that you could run a factory with.) A DC motor becomes a generator when the output shaft is turned by an external influence such as a waterwheel.
The "Beakman's World" comic strip has shown how to make them a couple of times.
 
stewartcs, thanks for the indication!

Danger, thanks for the welcome! electric machines isn't just my area, so I'm a completely noob.
 
TomBombadil said:
electric machines isn't just my area

No worries, Mate. I'm in the same boat, but my poisons are math and electronics. All that I know about them is that they are unpleasant, so I choose to avoid them.
 
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