Project 2Gejing Xu

Electric Generator

Electrical generators by definition are devices that convert mechanical energy into electric energy.

The mechanical energy in turn is produced from chemical or nuclear energy in various types of fuel, or obtained from renewable sources such as wind or falling water

Component of a electric generator

A generator consisted of several parts:

(1) Engine(2) Alternator(3) Fuel System(4) Voltage Regulator(5) Cooling and Exhaust Systems(6) Lubrication System(7) Battery Charger(8) Control Panel(9) Main Assembly / Frame

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Components of generator

Engine: The engine is the source of the input mechanical energy to the generator

Alternator: The alternator, also known as the ‘genhead’, is the part of the generator that produces the electrical output from the mechanical input supplied by the engine

Fuel System:The fuel tank usually has sufficient capacity to keep the generator operational for 6 to 8 hours on an average

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Voltage Regulator:As the name implies, this component regulates the output voltage of the generator

Cooling & Exhaust Systems:Continuous usage of the generator causes its various components to get heated up

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

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Battery Charger:The start function of a generator is battery-operated

Control PanelThis is the user interface of the generator and contains provisions for electrical outlets and controls

Main Assembly / Frame:All generators, portable or stationary, have customized housings that provide a structural base support

Basic physical concepts used in a generator

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At a power plant, a huge generator is used to make the electricity. Inside a generator, a giant magnet called a rotor spins inside coils of copper wire called a stator This pulls the electrons away from their atoms, and a flow of electrons is created in the copper wires. This flow of electrons is what we know as electricity. Those electrons can then be sent along power lines to wherever electricity is needed.

Human powered electrical generators

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A generator can also be driven by human muscle power

Human powered direct current generators are commercially available, and have been the project of some DIY enthusiasts.

The average adult could generate about 125-200 watts on a pedal powered generator, but at a power of 200 W, a typical healthy human will reach complete exhaustion and fail to produce any more power after approximately 1.3 hours

Work cited

http://www.generatorguide.net/(howgeneratorworks)

http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/how_generators_work.aspx

http://www.best-power-generators.com/generators_FAQs/How_To_Choose_A_Generator_1.html