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Abc Large. Team ProductLine. How do electric generators work? An Electric generator is a device which is used to produce electric energy, which can be stored in batteries or can be directly supplied to the homes, shops, offices, etc. Electric generators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
A conductor coil a copper coil tightly wound onto a metal core is rotated rapidly between the poles of a horseshoe type magnet. The mechanism is described below against each component that plays a part in the cyclical process of voltage regulation.
The voltage regulator then feeds this DC current to a set of secondary windings in the stator, known as exciter windings. The exciter windings are connected to units known as rotating rectifiers. This cycle continues till the generator begins to produce output voltage equivalent to its full operating capacity. As the output of the generator increases, the voltage regulator produces less DC current.
When you add a load to a generator, its output voltage dips a little. This prompts the voltage regulator into action and the above cycle begins. The cycle continues till the generator output ramps up to its original full operating capacity. It is essential to have a cooling and ventilation system to withdraw heat produced in the process. Hydrogen is sometimes used as a coolant for the stator windings of large generator units since it is more efficient at absorbing heat than other coolants.
Hydrogen removes heat from the generator and transfers it through a heat exchanger into a secondary cooling circuit that contains de-mineralized water as a coolant. This is why very large generators and small power plants often have large cooling towers next to them. For all other common applications, both residential and industrial, a standard radiator and fan is mounted on the generator and works as the primary cooling system.
It is essential to check the coolant levels of the generator on a daily basis. The cooling system and raw water pump should be flushed after every hours and the heat exchanger should be cleaned after every 2, hours of generator operation. The generator should be placed in an open and ventilated area that has adequate supply of fresh air.
The National Electric Code NEC mandates that a minimum space of 3 feet should be allowed on all sides of the generator to ensure free flow of cooling air. Hence, it is essential to install an adequate exhaust system to dispose of the exhaust gases. Exhaust pipes are usually made of cast iron, wrought iron, or steel.
These need to be freestanding and should not be supported by the engine of the generator. The exhaust pipe terminates outdoors and leads away from doors, windows and other openings to the house or building. You must ensure that the exhaust system of your generator is not connected to that of any other equipment. You should also consult the local city ordinances to determine whether your generator operation will need to obtain an approval from the local authorities to ensure you are conforming to local laws a protect against fines and other penalties.
Lubricating System Since the generator comprises moving parts in its engine, it requires lubrication to ensure durability and smooth operations for a long period of time. You should check the level of lubricating oil every 8 hours of generator operation. You should also check for any leakages of lubricant and change the lubricating oil every hours of generator operation.
Battery Charger The st e art function of a generator is battery-operated. If the float voltage is very low, the battery will remain undercharged. CHP and combined-cycle power plants are among the most efficient ways to convert a combustible fuel into useful energy. Hydroelectric turbines use the force of moving water to spin turbine blades to power a generator. Most hydroelectric power plants use water stored in a reservoir or diverted from a river or stream. Pumped-storage hydropower plants use the same types of hydro turbines that conventional hydropower plants use, but they are considered electricity storage systems see below.
Other types of hydroelectric turbines called hydrokinetic turbines are used in tidal power and wave power systems. Learn more about different types of hydroelectric turbines. Wind turbines use the power in wind to move the blades of a rotor to power a generator. There are two general types of wind turbines : horizontal axis the most common and vertical-axis turbines. Ocean thermal energy conversion OTEC systems use a temperature difference between ocean water at different depths to power a turbine to produce electricity.
There are many different types of electricity generators that do not use turbines to generate electricity. The most common in use today are solar photovoltaic PV systems and internal combustion engines. Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are used to power devices as small as wrist watches and can be connected together in panels that are connected together in arrays to power individual homes or form large power plants. Photovoltaic PV power plants are now one of the fastest growing sources of electricity generation around the world.
Internal combustion engines , such as diesel engines, are used all around the world for electricity generation including in many remote villages in Alaska. They are also widely used for mobile power supply at construction sites and for emergency or backup power supply for buildings and power plants.
Diesel-engine generators can use a variety of fuels including petroleum diesel, biomass-based liquid fuels and biogas, natural gas, and propane. Small internal combustion engine generators fueled with gasoline, natural gas, or propane are commonly used by construction crews and tradespeople and for emergency power supply for homes.
Other types of electricity generators include fuel cells , Stirling engines used in solar thermal parabolic-dish generators , and thermoelectric generators. Energy storage systems for electricity generation include hydro-pumped storage, compressed-air storage, electrochemical batters, and flywheels.
These energy storage systems use electricity to charge a storage facility or device, and the amount of electricity that they can supply is less than the amount they use for charging. Therefore, the net electricity generation from storage systems is counted as negative to avoid double counting electricity use for charging the storage system. Generation from storage systems is netted out of total annual electricity generation to avoid double counting of energy storage charging sources.
Source: U. Electricity explained How electricity is generated. What is energy? Units and calculators. Use of energy. Energy and the environment. Also in What is energy?
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