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LAB
GENERATOR RESEARCH
GROUP A
WHAT IS GENERATOR?
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy for use in an external circuit. The source
of mechanical energy may vary widely from a hand crank to an internal combustion engine. Generators provide
nearly all of the power for electric power grids.
Engine
Alternator
Fuel System
Voltage Regulator
Cooling and Exhaust Systems
Lubrication System
Battery Charger
Control Panel
Main Assembly/Frame
3) Rotating Rectifiers
Conversion of AC current to DC current. These rectify the AC current generated by the exciter windings and
convert it to DC current.
4) Rotor/Armature
Conversion of DC current to AC voltage.
5. Cooling & Exhaust Systems
a) Cooling system
Continuous usage of the generator causes its various components to get heated up. It is essential
to have a cooling and ventilation system to withdraw heat produced in the process.
b) Exhaust system
Exhaust fumes emitted by a generator are just like exhaust from any other diesel or gasoline
engine and contain highly toxic chemicals that need to be properly managed. Hence, it is essential
to install an adequate exhaust system to dispose of the exhaust gases. This point cannot be
emphasized enough as carbon monoxide poisoning remains one of the most common causes for
death in post hurricane affected areas because people tend to not even think about it until it too
late.
6. Lubricating system
This is to ensure durability and a success operation for a long period of time.
7. Battery Charger
The battery charger keeps the generator battery charged by supplying it with a precise float voltage. If the
float voltage is very low the battery remains undercharged. If the float voltage is very high it shorten the life
of the battery.
8. Control Panel
This is the user interface of the generator and contains provisions for electrical outlets and controls.
9. Main Assembly / Frame
All generators, portable or stationary, have customized housings that provide a structural base support. The
frame also allows for the generated to be earthed for safety.
HOW IT WORKS
The operation of electric generators is based on the process called electromagnetic induction: whenever a conductor
moves relative to a magnetic field, electromotive force (emf) is induced in this conductor. Particularly, if a magnet is
spinning inside a coil, a periodic AC voltage is induced between its terminals.
When an external circuit connected to the coil terminals, the generated voltage will create an electric current resulting
in energy being delivered to the load. Thus, the kinetic energy that spins the source of the magnetic field is converted
into electricity. Note that the current flowing through an external load in turn creates a magnetic field that opposes the
change in the flux of the coil, so the coil opposes the motion. The higher the load current, the larger the force that
must be applied to the magnet to keep it from slowing down.
In practice, the magnetic field is most often induced by an electromagnet rather than a permanent magnet. It consists
of so-called field coils mounted on an iron core. A flow of current in the field coils produces magnetic field. This
current may be obtained either from an external source or from the system's own armature. If it's obtained from the
armature, the initial field is produced by residual magnetism in the electromagnet's cores. When the prime mover
starts spinning, the armature at first operates in a very weak magnetic field and therefore produces small emf. This
emf creates a current in field coils, which increases magnetic flux, which in turn increases emf. This process
continues until the rated output voltage is reached.
REFERENCE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_generator
http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/How_Generators_Work.aspx
http://www.generatorguide.net/