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Does a generator use mechanical energy into electrical energy?
The generator, in turn, converts the mechanical (kinetic) energy of the rotor to electrical energy. Different types of turbines include steam turbines, combustion (gas) turbines, hydroelectric turbines, and wind turbines. Most combined-cycle systems have separate generators for each turbine.
What is a small generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy?
Electric generator, also called dynamo, any machine that converts mechanical energy to electricity for transmission and distribution over power lines to domestic, commercial, and industrial customers. Generators also produce the electrical power required for automobiles, aircraft, ships, and trains.
How does a generator work physics?
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. When the coil rotates, it cuts the magnetic field which lies between the two poles of the magnet.
What are some examples of electrical energy to mechanical energy?
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. A hydroelectric powerplant converts the mechanical energy of water in a storage dam into electrical energy.
What happens when you put mechanical energy into a generator?
Note you can do this with no electrical load on the generator at all. The power fed into the generator equals the power taken from the generator. The latter includes heat or mechanical energy (e.g. vibration). So any additional power is converted to heat or mechanical energy which may lead to destruction of the generator.
What happens when the electrical load on a generator increases?
The generator has a speed governor. As electrical load increases the mechanical load increases. If the throttle position were fixed the speed would drop. The governor opens the throttle to allow more fuel in to maintain speed at setpoint. Figure 1. Mechanical speed governor.
Which is more useful a generator or a motor?
But what would be really useful is a generator because this converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. If the generator were powerful enough, you could use it to restore electricity to your house, at least for a little while. Now that you know how handy a generator is, you may be tempted to rush to the store and buy one.
How is mechanical power converted to electrical power?
The generator converts mechanical power to electrical power. Mechanical power is given by Power = Torque X Rotational Speed. An additional multiplier may be required depending on the units of measurement used. Speed is normally regulated to be a constant value in order to keep the voltage an frequency constant.