How does an electric generator work! |
Posted: December 10, 2017 |
An electric generator is a device widely used today, both in the industrial field and in the domestic sphere, but how do they work? We will start by remembering what electricity is. The difference of electric potential is the difference of electrons from one site to another, when this occurs at the site where there is more moving to the site where there is less. This is what is known as electric current. The difference of electrons from one place to another is measured in Volts, so keep the idea that more volts more difference in the number of electrons from one site with respect to the other and therefore more electrons are going to run there as soon as possible. The typical comparison with water is seen in the drawing: The upper container has a potential (in this case gravitational) and the other below. If the two are joined with a pipeline, a stream of water is started from one container to another. This occurs for example with a battery (generator power) either, when joining the two poles (+) and (-) are as different electric potential electric current (electrons) between them begins. An electric generator maintains a difference of electrical charges between two points, called poles, terminals or terminals, so this electrical energy can be converted into other forms of energy (mechanical, light, heat ...). To know more please visit Generatorcheck. Electromagnetic induction Its operation is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, discovered by the British scientist Michael Faraday in the year 1831, which ensures that if an electrical conductor moves within a magnetic field, it will induce an electric current that will flow through said conductor. So, the mechanical energy of the moving thread will be transformed into electrical energy. The components of an electrical generator from the mechanical perspective: Stator: it is a fixed metallic armor, which integrates different elements such as coils, housings, the core, a star connection system, the terminal box, a connection system. Rotor: it is the moving part that rotates inside the stator. It contains an electromagnet, composed of field coils fixed on top of an iron core, powered by a small electric current. When rotating the rotor at high speeds by the force of external mechanical energy from a turbine (in the case of generators that are used in most plants), currents are generated in the stator copper wires. The turbines take advantage of external energy sources, converting them into mechanical energy, which in turn is used to transform it into electrical energy. It is worth mentioning that, as with all electrical appliances, any damage to their components can generate problems in the generator, so these must be checked regularly to avoid mishaps. Types of electric generators There are many classifications of electric generators based on their characteristics and performance; however, they are generally divided according to the type of current they produce: Alternators: are the electric generators that originate electricity in alternating current. In these cases, the inductor element is the rotor and the armature the stator. This type of generators is used in power plants. Dinamos: generate electricity in direct current and its inductor component is the stator and the armature the rotor. For example, the lights of bicycles that operate thanks to the force of pedaling are dynamos. Both need external mechanical energy to generate electricity. The basic difference between generators or alternators of alternating current (alternators) and generators of direct current or dynamics, is the absence of split rings (commutator) in the alternators. Whether in alternators or DC generators, the current induced in the coil is generated by electromagnetic induction, but in dc or dynamos generators, the addition of split rings creates rectification of alternating current in direct current in the circuit external. Parts of an electric generator An electric generator consists of four parts. The armature or coil, which in turn is made up of copper turns that when rotating cut the lines of force of the magnetic field and induces current that maintain it while the turns are in motion. The group completes the brushes, which are responsible for externalizing the current generated, and the collector, which are rings welded to the rotor. However, within the world of generators it is necessary that we name some other type of electric generator: Solar: the solar electric generator transforms the sun's rays into electrical energy; normally this energy is stored in batteries waiting to be used. Wind: the wind electric generator works with the force that the wind. They use the so-called "windmills". This movement of rotation is transmitted to the axis of the electric generator (alternator), which transforms the mechanical energy of rotation into electrical energy. Geothermal: the geothermal plants work through the heating of a liquid (normally water) that reaches a high temperature, which is intended to produce steam that gives impulse to the turbine, which in turn moves an alternator generating electricity. Batteries: we know by the given name an electrochemical generator that is a type of electric generator that directly converts chemical energy stored in chemical substances into an electric current, through a chemical reaction. The first electrochemical generator was the Volta battery. Its development has been very broad due to the diverse and daily applications that they have.
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