A power generator is, in short, a machine capable of creating energy from any kind of power (e.g. mechanical, chemical, etc.). Energy is a very important basic natural resource nowadays and thus are totally reliant on it in order to accomplish the most ordinary activities of daily life.
With a huge number of different kinds of power generators available out there in the market today, what exactly is the best one that would meet your requirements? Before you start your search, it is important for you to know first that power generators are generally categorized into three basic types: electrical generators, mechanical generators, and induction driven. Electrical generators use the concept of electrical energy that is converted into mechanical energy through a battery. For this kind of power generator, the principle of induction is used.
Electrical power generators have two major categories: gasoline or diesel generators, and the solar electric power generators. Diesel generators are also known as the rotary-screw ignition engines. These are usually considered to be the more effective and more durable kind. However, gasoline power generators are considered to be the cheaper option in terms of maintenance, availability of spare parts, fuel efficiency, and portability. So, which one will you buy? The right one will depend upon the needs and situation.
As the name suggests, a mechanical energy generator uses mechanical energy to convert electrical power into mechanical energy and vice versa. The term’mechanical energy’ here is defined as the capacity of a system (i.e., an apparatus) to generate mechanical power in comparison to its electrical power. This means that any device that generates mechanical power has an external circuit that is capable of completing a circuit (completing a set of interconnecting wires).
Electromagnetic power generation is not very common, though it is being eyed as a possible solution to the energy crisis. Electromagnetic power generation occurs when electricity is fed through a wire or metal surface to produce the needed magnetic field. This magnetic field induces a change in a substance called its conductivity, which changes the amount of electrical energy flowing through the conductive material. The most commonly used substances for this purpose are magnets and metals like iron, nickel, and copper.
The most basic example of a magnetic generator is the magnet motor. The basic principle is similar to the engine of a car – a magnet will start moving a car if it is wound with iron wire. This induced electric current flows through the core of the magnet and produces a magnetic field that induces a change in a conductive material (the wheel). A similar process happens when electricity is passed through a wire wrapped around a magnet. The flow of current through the wire induces a change in the material, which changes the electrical current.
Generators can also be made using what are called power stations. Power stations are large machines that use huge magnet fields, and then use high frequency radio waves to induce currents within the generators. This process is similar to how the electric motors work – there’s a DC source (like the spindle arm of an electric motor) that is turned by the magnetic field coils. This induces a current in the power station, which is then converted to alternating current in the power generator.
Finally, generators can be combined with dynamos to produce the final output. A dynamo is an electrical device that functions using the power of direct current (DC). A dynamo is usually powered by the movement of a spring, but can be powered by any other type of mechanical energy. The combination of generators and dynamos creates the final output of the machine – the dynamos turn DC into AC, and the generator converts the AC to the required alternating current.