What is an electric generator? How do you convert wind or solar energy into usable electricity? How do you convert gas fuel powered vehicles into internal combustion engine power? The answers to these questions depend on your purpose. In short, they are the answers to how you generate electricity.
An electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical current by utilizing the mutual attraction and repulsion of magnets. Note: The EIA describes “electric generator” as an apparatus instead of as an entity; per the electrical definition, such examples as an offshore oil rig represent examples of self-organized systems. In the broader context of the generator, it is often called a magnetic field machine (FEM) or electric motor. The attraction and repulsion of magnets produces a force that acts on the belt that powers the generator. The force that is produced is in the form of a continuous cycle until the motor is started. This action induces a direct current that is usually measured in amperes or kilowatts.
How does the electric generator work? The FEM generates a voltage across a series of conductors in its base. A third layer, the metallic plate of the FEM, acts as a conductor. When a varying magnetic field, caused by a powerful source of electromagnetic induction, passes through the FEM, the induced current increases as the alternating charge increases.
Magnetic induction generators are much more efficient than wind turbines. Although both are based on the same principles, an induction generator functions by consuming less energy because it generates the same amount of voltage across a larger area. It also costs less to operate. The main article on this topic discusses the differences between wind turbines and induction generators.
Wind turbines have a shaft attached to its base that spins. As the wind blows, the force of air pushing against the shaft causes the rotation of the shaft and creates a kinetic energy that is converted into electrical energy. The size of the wind turbine is a determining factor in its efficiency. More powerful motors require a larger base and a larger number of blades. On the other hand, small to medium sized motors are much cheaper to manufacture and are often used for private homes and farms.
An induction motor works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Unlike wind turbines, the electrical energy produced by an induction motor is not produced from the movement of air. Instead, it is produced from a source of alternating current (AC). This source of energy is connected to a conductive coil which forms a closed circuit.
DC generators, on the other hand, use the concept of direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC). DC electric generators produce energy by passing an electric current through a winding spring. Because the energy is in constant motion, the force of the spring will cause the motion of the DC motor itself. The more times the motor spins, the more DC energy is produced.
Alternating current (AC) electric generators are more expensive than the direct current ones. AC electric generators can be a great option for those looking to save money on their electricity bills. They also generate considerable amount of continuous electricity. In addition, they are more efficient at generating mechanical energy than AC motors.
If you need to generate enough electricity for your home, then an AC electric generator or a DC electric generator will be more than enough. For those who are on a tight budget, you can use electromagnetic induction motors instead. Electromagnetic induction electric generators do not need to be connected to an electrical grid. All you need is a DC motor, a inverter, and a power outlet.
An electric generator may be the only option if your home is too far away from any electrical grid. Because the mechanical energy of a generator is stored in its wheels, it does not need to transfer its mechanical energy to an electrical grid. You can even use your generator to recharge batteries that are deep within the ground. This is a great way to make sure that you never run out of energy to power your household appliances when you are far away from any electric grid.
The only thing you need to watch out for with an electric generator is that you should not let any small pieces of debris or dirt to touch its electrical coils. Electromagnetic induction electric generators are very safe to use even if they are constantly running. There are actually no safety issues associated with using electromagnetic induction electric generators because they never need to transfer its mechanical energy to an electrical grid. They also do not need direct contact with anything. All they need is an electrical outlet for its motor to transfer its energy.