What Is A "Generator"?
An electrical generator is a
device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. An
engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine
(prime mover) mounted together to form a single piece of equipment. This
combination can also be called a "genset." A complete standby generator system
will include additional switches and control components to make operation of
the genset more convenient and more reliable.
Learn more about generator
terms & definitions in our Generator Glossary,
here.
 How
a generator produces electricity
Electric generators are essentially coils of electric
conductors, usually copper wire, that are tightly wound onto a metal core and
are mounted to spin around inside an array of large magnets.
Anytime an electric conductor moves through a magnetic
field, the magnetism will interact with the electrons in the conductor to
induce a flow of electrical current within it.
The conductor coil and its core are called the armature.
By connecting the armature to the shaft of a mechanical power source, such as
an engine, the copper conductor can spin at very high speeds through the
magnetic field, producing a powerful flow of electricity. The same principle
applies whether the generator is driven by a bicycle wheel, a tractor engine or
a steam turbine. |
