The Types Of Electric Generators: How They Work

Electric generators transform energy produced from various sources into electricity, even though we don’t notice them in most cases. They serve as the foundation for modern society by providing regular electric power to homes, companies as well as industries. In this blog we’ll discuss various types of electric generators, their mechanism and how they work. 

A Brief History of Electrical Generators

It was back in 1831 when the scientist Michael Faraday discovered the principle underlying electric generators which he observed that moving of a magnet within a coil of wire induces the flow of electric current through it thereby producing electricity; hence this has been a foundation upon which majority of power production depends up to date.

Faraday’s discovery changed our thinking about energy and caused multiple achievements concerning the production of electric power. Later, the scientists and engineers improved on that development creating new low-cost diesel generators to meet the growing demand of electricity. 

Types of Electric Generators 

Direct current Generators

Direct current generators (DC generators) are one of the most common types of electric generator that can be found in five main types, each having the field windings arranged differently in relation to the armature windings.

• Externally Excited DC Generators: Generators like these use power from an external source to induce excitation in their field windings and hence produce magnetic fields for generation of electricity.

• Series DC Generators: The field windings in this type are connected in series with the armature windings that increase the voltage output due to the strengthening of the magnetic field as current runs through the series field.

• Shunt DC Generators: Shunt generators are defined by the fact that their field windings are connected in parallel to the armature windings “shunt”. One point that should be noted is that this engineering design ensures constant strength of the magnetic field, so they are perfect where a steady voltage supply is necessary.

• Compound DC Generators: Compound generators are a combination of series and shunt configurations that provide better voltage regulation. Long-shunt and short-shunt compounds are their divisions.

• Permanent Magnet DC Generators: These generators use permanent magnets to create a constant magnetic field, unlike the other types. Windings are unnecessary at all.

Direct current generators are utilised extensively in diverse applications such as battery charging, electric vehicles, and wherever a constant, stable voltage is needed.

Alternating current Generators

AC generators, otherwise known as alternators, operate by causing an evolving electromagnetic surroundings around a conductor to produce electricity. This is what distinguishes them from direct current generators because they are meant to work on projects using power over long distances and in most homes.

Induction Generators

Induction generators, which are based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, are a kind of AC generator. They are used mainly in wind turbines and small hydro power plants. Induction Generators are quite simple to build And highly dependable. Hence they have been the most preferred choice for Renewable Energy Sources.

Applications of Electric Generators

• Power Generation: Electric generators most commonly find application in power plants. They convert mechanical energy from different sources like coal, natural gas, oil, hydropower, wind and nuclear to electrical energy for domestic and industrial consumption.

• Transportation: Generators are applied in various transportation methods such as cars, ships, planes and locomotives. Aircrafts make use of generators to generate power for in-flight systems while electric cars and hybrids may decelerate by reversing their motors into diesel generators in order to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy which in turn is returned back to its battery.

• Emergency Power Backup: Portable and standby generators are often utilised to supply interim power in case there is a blackout or where there is no access to the grid of primary power when need arises. For purposes of continuous power supply, these generators are often used by hospitals, data centres, as well as disaster relief efforts.

• Renewable Energy: When utilising renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines, you need an electric generator. These machines convert nonconstant energy sources such as sun radiation or wind speed into a steady electricity stream which can go to the network or serve end users’ needs directly. 

• Industrial Process: For instance, generators are common in industries like manufacturing, mining, construction, or agriculture where electric power is needed for various machinery and equipment. This includes devices like tools, pumps, compressors among other equipment.

How Electric Generators Work?

Electric generators function by using electromagnetic induction which was discovered by Faraday. This involves moving a conductor, usually a coiled wire, inside or outside of a magnetic field. Any difference in motion between these items generates fluctuating field strength leading to electromotive force on the conductor.

Various sources including steam turbines, gas engines, water turbines or wind turbines can provide the mechanical energy needed for rotating the coil or moving the magnet. After that conversion from mechanical to electrical energy is achieved, it is what this generator actually does using the electromagnetic induction process.

To Wrap Up

Electric generators are a crucial part of modern society as they supply electricity needed for various purposes and activities. Understanding  about the different types of generators, how they work and where to use them would make you appreciate the level of sophistication and inventiveness present in these machines.

Electric generators are becoming increasingly important with the progress of our society. The development of efficient, environmentally friendly generators will therefore become an important area of innovation in light of increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources and sustainability.

We at Solar Sky have a team of professionals to help you with all your generator related queries.