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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. S

    Problem in deciding dc generator conecting to an inverter

    Hi, Its great to see a forum like this thanks for your efforts and thinking that PF can help me a lot. I Am ANANTH pursuing 3-2 B.TECH under J.N.T.U.H i am working on a project of wind energy to electrical energy. but the problem is what type of dc generator(rating) should i use? first I've...
  2. T

    Conserved charge as a generator of symmetry, Peskin & Schroeder

    Hey! I am stuck at a passage in the QFT book of Peskin & Schroeder and I need your help :) It is about page 698, last break. The sentence is: "At long wavelength, the Goldstone bosons become infinitesimal symmetry rotations of the vacuum, Q |0> , where Q is the global charge associated...
  3. P

    Calculating Energy Production of a Linear Generator

    Before building a linear generator I am trying to figure out how much energy it will produce over a given period of time, but I'm having trouble getting my head around it. Firstly, assuming I can measure displacement (of the magnet) vs. time, specifications of the magnet, and the dimensions...
  4. X

    Proof of Maximal Left Ideal Generation in the Ring Mn(F)

    Let R = Mn(F) the ring consists of all n*n matrices over a field F and E = E11 + E22 + ... + En-1,n-1, where Eii is the elementary matrix( Eij is a matrix whose ij th element is 1 and the others are 0). Then the following hold: 1.Every matrix of rank n-1 in any maximal left ideal generates the...
  5. K

    What is the Full-Load Voltage of a DC Generator at 800 rpm?

    Homework Statement A dc generator is rated at 10 kW, 208 V, and 50 A when it rotates at 1000 rpm. The resistance of the armature windings is 0.56 . Assume that the magnitude of the magnetic field remains constant. (a) Calculate the "no-load" voltage at 1000 rpm (when there is no circuit...
  6. C

    Battery charged by a generator

    Homework Statement a generator of e.m.f 20V and internal resistance of 0.5 ohm is used to charge a car battery of emf 12V and internal resistance 0.10 ohm.They are connected in series together with a resistance R whose value is adjusted to give a charging current of 2.0A. I was asked to...
  7. Y

    Generator connected to transformer- Find angular speed of coil

    Homework Statement A generator consists of a circular coil of radius 0.2 meters wrapped 10 times and is spun in a uniform magnetic field of 0.38 Tesla. It is connected (on the primary side) to a transformer with 7 turns on the primary side and 20 turns on the secondary side. If the secondary...
  8. 7

    Using DC Motor as Generator to Build a Wind Turbine

    I am attempting to build a wind turbine, as many have successfully. I have read that a permanent magnet dc motor out of a treadmill will serve well as the generator for the turbine. I'm not very electrically savvy, but I'm attempting to learn. I have posted pictures of the motor, and the...
  9. M

    Creating Equal Probability Random Values with a Hardware Random Number Generator

    I've been experimenting with a hardware random number generator. My circuit amplifies transistor noise and converts it to a digital output. My program (.Net) reads the output into an array of double precision values. My voltages range from -7 to 7 (well within the range of my ADC) and have 16...
  10. K

    Plant aging Steam Generator Corrosion

    Hi I am told that steam generator is an area that is suseptible to aging effects and corrosion. I was wondering if anyone can elaborate on this a bit. Is it just due to the heat and humididty? I am studying BWRs and safety and maintanced aspects and I was thinking of focusing on this area...
  11. J

    How Can an AC Generator Be Converted to Produce DC?

    Homework Statement How might you convert the generator in (http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/propulsion/jet/generator.jpg) so that instead of producing alternating emf and current it will produce direct current? Would it be a steady D.C? Sketch a graph to show how the emf would vary with...
  12. R

    Attracting small splinters of glass with a Van de Graaff generator

    Hello, I work for a container factory where re-used bottles have a lot of tiny glass splinters. Inspired by the standard experiment of picking up glass splinters using a comb, I thought I could insert a charged rod into a bottle to attract little splinters towards it. To get similar voltages...
  13. C

    Generator output to Grid Tie Inverter

    Guys, I have a Lister generator that is capable of producing approx 5KW of power from an attached ST alternator. I am in australia so our standard power is 240v at 50hz I have a grid tie inverter for my solar panels - this unit accepts between 150v dc into 500vdc It has a single input...
  14. N

    Calculating Resistance and Input Voltage in an RL Circuit with AC Generator

    Homework Statement A resistance R and a 1.4 H inductance are in series across a 60 Hz AC voltage. The voltage across the resistor is 30V and the voltage across the inductor is 40V. (a). What is the resistance R ? (b). What is the AC input voltage ? Homework Equations \xi=I*Z The Attempt at...
  15. J

    Generators for Home Natural Gas: Find Yours Today

    Hi! I am trying to figure out what kind of generator I need for my home. I am the sole owner to the natural gas under my property and I want to run my house on it's own power. What kind of generator do I need for continuous use?
  16. N

    Designing a Generator: Magnetic Spacing & Volts Generated

    How do I determine magnetic spacing when designing a generator which has magnets placed evenly in a circular pattern so that each magnet do not affect one another when they are going to be spun around a wheel full of coil. How do I determine the Volts generated? How do I determine the...
  17. X

    Can a 2 HP DC motor drives a 5 kW DC Generator?

    Sorry for this noob idea but I'd like to know what happens if: A 2 HP DC electric motor is coupled to a 5kW DC Generator, will the 5kW DC Generator produce a 5kW output? What will happen to these two equipment. Thanks for the Reply!
  18. M

    Calculating Number of Turns Needed for Generator

    Homework Statement A generator is designed to produce a maximum emf of 180 V while rotating with an angular speed of 3900 rpm. Each coil of the generator has an area of 2.0×10−2 m^2. a) If the magnetic field used in the generator has a magnitude of 4.1×10−2 T, how many turns of wire are...
  19. B

    Reactive current to lower the voltage at the generator?

    I had a little discussion with a friend about how reactive current influate voltage drop in a distribusion line. The case: If I have a generator on one side of a line and a load on the other side. The load needs a specific voltage. Now, I'd need a bit higher voltage on the side with the...
  20. D

    Generator used in a power station

    What sort of generator is used in a power station? (synchronous, asynchronous)... And what is the difference between. - Asynchronous Generator - Synchronous Generator - Alternator - Dynamo Thanks!
  21. L

    Rotation Rate of a Generator Coil

    Homework Statement If the rotation rate of a generator coil is doubled, what happens to the peak emf? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think it stays the same. Am i right?
  22. F

    High axial vibration at permanent magnetic generator

    hi guyz, I have Turbiine(5500RPM)-Gearbox(output 1500RM)-Generator-Exciter-Permanent Magnetiic Generator(PMG). I have problem with high axial vibration at ball bearing permanent magnetic generator. Axial vibration at 5500RPM, but it rotate at 1500RPM. This overall is 3-5 times radial...
  23. O

    Sin Wave Generator IC: Find Availability in Your Country

    can anyone please give me aname of sin wave generator IC .but many ICS as you know as it might be not available in my country
  24. Phrak

    High-Precision 60 Hz Sine Wave Generator for Circuit Elements

    As a circuit element I need a 60 Hz sinewave with low harmonic distortion (maybe 1-2% max.) and precision amplitude (1-2% max) of about 2.5 volts. It should be syncronous with an input reference frequency. The reference is about 30KHz and is some as-yet-undetermined multiple of 60 Hz.
  25. O

    Understanding the Van de Graaf Generator and its Role in MeV Particle Production

    This is on my syllabus for my physics synoptic exam on tuesday so help would be much appreciated and reads as follows. Explain how the Van de Graaf generator leads to the production of MeV particles. NB this is not an exam question or homework - would just like an explanation
  26. T

    Building a Hand Cranked Generator to Charge Your Cell Phone

    I need to build a hand cranked generator that can create enough electricity to maybe charge a cell phone. How would I do this?
  27. B

    Relation between RPM, coils and kW-output in electrical generator

    Hi, new to the forum here I have this bike-engine here and I am thinking whether it would be possible to mount it to an electrical generator. The thing is it easily hits RPM's up to 13000. My question is if I make a magnet spinning at let's say 10k rpm what poweroutput are we talking then...
  28. R

    Can a 9V Motor Produce 200mA as a Generator?

    Dear Experts, I tried using a small dc motor to generate electricity. Assuming a 9v motor turns at say 2000 rpm and draws a current of say 200mA. If used as a generator will this generator produce exactly the same 200mA if the generator spins at 2000 rpm? I tried spinning the generator...
  29. P

    RPM independent grid tie induction generator

    Through our research we discover that an AC induction motor can act as a DC amplifier, as long as there is torque making it turns. Applying the process we are able to build RPM independent grid tie induction generator. Tested with variable US grid at consumer configuration. Similar to PMA...
  30. I

    Solving Generator Problems to Power 60 Watt Light Bulb

    Alright for a few days now I have been working on a small little cute generator. I want it to power a 60 watt light bulb and that's about it Now my design goes off of what I know and what I have been able to scrounge up but of course it is almost impossible to find anything relevant without...
  31. S

    What Is a Function Generator Used For?

    hi all I have seen in my dc lab that there are some devices which are called function generator I want to know what is function generator? for which purpose this is used and how to operate it?
  32. R

    Generator Power vs Magnetic Field Power: What's the Difference?

    In my experience, seems you can't get something for nothing (or little) but was just curious. What is the difference in conventional generator power and power generated simply by passing a conductor through a stationary magnetic field.
  33. A

    Help with Geothermal Electric Generator from a hot spring

    Hi, I have access to a hot spring. I was thinking it may be ideal to construct a small geothermal electric generation unit using the steam. Question is, if I have access to the hot spring, is this enough as a source to go ahead with a geothermal generating unit of say 100 kw - 200 kw, which is...
  34. J

    How can I build a large alpha particle generator for He++ production?

    I am looking to source (build) a large alpha particle generator that creates (mostly) He++ and not He+ particles. Thanks.
  35. W

    Using a computer as a signal generator

    Hello. I am trying to build a version of a Chladni plate, which is a device that uses a modified speaker assembly to mechanically resonate a dish containing salt or some other powder. When the input signal reaches the resonant frequency of the plate, crazy patterns start to appear in the salt...
  36. S

    Designing a lundell(clawpole ) Type Generator

    Homework Statement I want to know the affect of stator design on bicycle dynamo performance using magnetic circuits, and power output. The bicycle dynamo is a single phase AC generator with permanent magnets on its rotor (mounted on hubshell) and a lundell type armature(mounted on bike axle)...
  37. M

    Top High Torque Low Pressure Steam Power Generators for 1kW Output

    Does anyone know a suitable engine / turbine / expander that can run under 2 bar (30 PSI) of pressure and generate upto 1 kw power output? Basically a high torque, low pressure...i have been searching like crazy everywhere, cannot find anything...Also will a manufactured tesla turbine be able to...
  38. C

    PM generator direction vs. polarity

    Hi, I have a 24v 250w PM DC motor that is being used generate electricity. Problem is that the way it is installed, it can be turned in either direction which of course gives me a polarity problem. I'm sure there is a simple solution, but could someone tell how I maintain a constant...
  39. K

    Power Calculations for Home made generator

    Hello all, This is my first forum post and any problems with the post are openly accepted. I would like a sanity check on my approach to this problem. I have built a permanent magnet three phase AC generator. I need help in properly calculating power values for this. This is for...
  40. E

    What makes a Kelvin Generator work?

    I am wondering how a Kelvin water dropper works and can generate sparks. Basically, water drips onto two sides, and the apparatus attracts positive charge to one side and negative charge to another side. The charge eventually builds up high enough to make a spark. You can see more information...
  41. C

    Understanding and Utilizing a Level Generator for Scientists

    Hello, being attracted by old lab instrumentation ( the more switch, led, displays and knobs, the better ) I purchased for approx 20$ a level generator ( W & G PS something ) from a surplus store. The equipment is without user manual. Fact is, I don't have any idea about what I bought ...
  42. S

    How much uranium-235 does a nuclear power generator consume to generate 1.5 GW?

    SOLVED thank you for the helpHomework Statement The total thermal power generated in a nuclear power reactor is 1.5 GW. How much uranium-235 does it consume in a year? ANSWER m(235U)=-----kg Homework Equations E=mc2The Attempt at a Solution E=mc2...
  43. P

    How to calculate output of a motor used as a generator

    Does anyone know how to figure out how to calculate a motor's output when used as a generator based on the manufacturer's specs for its operation? ie. Small, but powerful DC motor. 0.40" x 0.32" x 0.66" long. Operates on 1.5 - 3.6 Vdc. 110mA @ 3Vdc, no load. 500mA with load...
  44. R

    Flat wire in generator winding

    Hello all, I have a simple question about copper windings on generators. From what I have read, magnetism only penetrates the skin of a copper wire by very little. Dosnt this mean that most of the copper in a winding is wasted ? And wouldn't it be more efficient to use flat wire "-"...
  45. H

    Good way to test variable-speed generator output?

    I need to test a variable-speed generator attached to a small wind turbine (lets say). I want to see how much power its producing, as well as the current. It outputs in three-phase Y configuration at frequencies varying from 3 to 9 Hz. The generator is rated at 1.2 kW at 550RPM, with an open...
  46. T

    Can Relativity Help Create a Powerful Energy Generator?

    I'm thinking that if you had a fan, rotating really really fast, then according to relativity the ends of the fan blades would think that the center of the fan has less energy than they do, and the center would think that the ends have less energy than it does right? So if this fan was made of a...
  47. J

    What is the graph of power generator output voltage?

    Homework Statement A generator is made from a 100 turn coil, 5.0 cm by 4.0 cm, placed in a magnetic field of strength 0.20 T. The coil rotates at 50 revolutions per second. http://two.xthost.info/joeykeys/Picture%205.png Sketch a graph of the output voltage of the coil for one cycle if...
  48. brainpushups

    How does Lord Kelvin's water drop electrostatic generator work?

    I recently made a small version of Lord Kelvin's "thunderstorm" while I was bored at school one day, and I'm still mystified as to how such a large potential gets generated. I have two hypotheses, but I haven't had a chance to test them yet and I was wondering if anybody knew how the generator...
  49. M

    How Does a Rotating Disk Generate Voltage in a Magnetic Field?

    Homework Statement A little bit of background, my Phys 2 w/Calc class has only covered up to chapter 30(Inductance) in Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday/Resnick. I'm not even sure why this was my homework(turned it in partially completed with written physical reasoning, a picture, and a...
  50. W

    Marx Generator Circuit Properties?

    Hello. I have several theoretical questions about Marx generator circuit operation. Note that I am in no way attempting to build one of these, as I would surely never compromise the integrity of this board by intending to build such a risky device. I am curious about the recommended value of...
Back
Top