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EEE 577- ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION

LAB
GENERATOR RESEARCH
GROUP A

NAME: ASHNEEL KUMAR


ID #: 2015128645

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.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF A GENERATOR


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Engine
Alternator
Fuel System
Voltage Regulator
Cooling and Exhaust Systems
Lubrication System
Battery Charger
Control Panel
Main Assembly/Frame

The description of the main components of a generator is given below.


1. Engine
The engine is the source of the input mechanical energy to the generator. The size of the engine is directly
proportional to the maximum power output the generator can supply. There are several factors that you need to keep
in mind while assessing the engine of your generator. The manufacturer of the engine should be consulted to obtain
full engine operation specifications and maintenance schedules.
2. Alternator
The alternator is the part of the generator that produces the electrical output from the mechanical input supplied by
the engine. It contains an assembly of stationary and moving parts encased in a housing. The components work
together to cause relative movement between the magnetic and electric fields, which in turn generates electricity.
3. Fuel System
The fuel tank usually has sufficient capacity to keep the generator operational for 6 to 8 hours on an average. In the
case of small generator units, the fuel tank is a part of the generator skid base or is mounted on top of the generator
frame. For commercial applications, it may be necessary to erect and install an external fuel tank.
4. Voltage Regulator
This components regulates the output voltage of the generator. The mechanism is described below against each
components parts of the cyclical process of voltage regulation.
1) Voltage Regulator
Conversion of AC voltage to DC current.
2) Exciter windings
Conversion DC current to AC current.

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.

EMERGENCY BACKUP DEVICES FOR HOME USE


In power plants the electricity generating devices are most often driven by steam or hydraulic turbines or by diesel
engines. The same concept of producing electricity is widely used in small consumer-grade units. In commercially
available home generators, an alternator is integrated with an internal-combustion engine into a single assembly.
Such an assembly called genset is the most common type of residential emergency backup power sources. A genset
is often casually called just a generator even though it also includes an engine. There are two main types of such
devices that differ by their connection and activation methods: fixed (standby) and portable. The latter isolates the
utility from your genset. Not surprisingly, permanent devices cost more than portables. However, they have a big
advantage-- they can provide practically continuous power for as long as the fuel is supplied. Portable models are
intended primarily for a temporary connection to several appliances via extension cords rather than to the whole
house. They are normally powered from an on-board tank and therefore need frequent refueling,

REFERENCE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_generator
http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/How_Generators_Work.aspx
http://www.generatorguide.net/

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