CHAPTER 2

Electric Generators

An electric generator is a device that has the capability to convert mechanical energy
from an external source into electricity as output. A generator does not actually ‘create’
electrical energy. Instead, it uses the mechanical energy supplied to it to force the movement of
electric charges present in the wire of its windings through an external electric circuit. This flow
of electric charges constitutes the output electric current supplied by the generator. This
mechanism can be understood by considering the generator to be analogous to a water pump,
which causes the flow of water but does not actually ‘create’ the water flowing through
it(Generator Source, 2020).

It 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 conductor coil along with its core is known as an armature. The armature is
connected to a shaft of a mechanical energy source such as a motor and rotated. The
mechanical energy can be provided by engines operating on fuels like diesel or gasoline and
can also be provided by renewable sources like turbines. When the coil rotates, it cuts the
magnetic field which lies between the two poles of the magnet. The magnetic field will interfere
with the electrons in the conductor to induce a flow of electric current inside it (Team
ProductLine, 2019).

The main components of a generator along with their functions are listed below(Generator
Source, 2020):

Engine – 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.

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. It contains an assembly of stationary
and moving parts encased in a housing.

Fuel - 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’s skid base or is mounted on top of the generator frame.

Voltage Regulator - This component regulates the output voltage of the generator. The
mechanism is described below against each component that plays a part in the cyclical process
of voltage regulation.

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.

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. 
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, The generator’s
engine is lubricated by oil stored in a pump.

Battery Charger - The start function of a generator is battery-operated. 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 will remain undercharged. If the float voltage is very high, it will
shorten the life of the battery.

Control Panel - This is the user interface of the generator and contains provisions for electrical
outlets and controls.

Main Assembly/Fame - 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
(Generator Source, 2020).

Alternators

An alternator is one of the types of electric generators. It works by turning mechanical

energy into electrical energy. When your engine is on, it powers a drive belt that rests on a
pulley attached to the alternator. The pulley turns the alternator's rotor shaft, which spins a set
of magnets around a coil. These spinning magnets generate alternating current (AC) around the
coil, which is then channeled to the alternator's rectifier. The rectifier converts that AC power
into direct current (DC) power The alternator powers most car's electronic components while
you're driving around or idling, including your headlights, electric steering, power windows,
windshield wipers, heated seats, dashboard instruments, and radio. The alternator supplies all
of them with (DC) power. Your alternator is also responsible for charging your car battery while
driving(What Does an Alternator Do? | Firestone Complete Auto Care, 2020). This particular
type of generator used in the vehicle is known as an automotive alternator.

Another use of alternators is in diesel-electric locomotive. The engine of this locomotive

is nothing but an alternator, driven by a diesel engine. One of the primary uses of alternators is
in the production of bulk ac power for commercial purposes. In thermal power plants, in hydel
power plants, even in nuclear power plants, alternators only converts mechanical energy to
electrical energy for supplying to the power system(Alternator: What is it? (And The Types of
Alternators) | Electrical4U, 2021).

Cost of electric generators

The cost of a home generator varies widely because there are different sizes available.
At the small end of the spectrum, you're looking at $400(20,669 PHP) for a generator that can
power your lights and charge your smartphones and laptops. Whole home generators are either
portable or standby models. Portable whole home generators can be moved on wheels, while
standbys are permanently installed in one place. Whole house generator costs range from
$1,000(51,672.5 PHP) to $6,000(311,000 PHP) on average. Prices can be as high as
$10,000(516,725 PHP), but you don't need to spend that much to get a good whole home
generator. On the other hand, if you have the budget and want the best of the best, you may
find that an expensive standby generator suits your needs. The typical home requires a 5,000-
watt generator to power the basics. Not all portable generators are powerful enough to handle
that electrical load, but many are. Portable generators typically range from 3,000 to 8,500 watts
and cost $400-$1,000. You can find some at a higher cost and higher power, too(How Much
Does a Home Generator Cost?, 2021).

History of generators
In 1831, Faraday made a ground-breaking discovery. He wrapped a tube in copper wire
and insulated it with cloth. Next he hooked the copper wire up to a galvonometer, which could
measure electric current. When he passed a magnet backwards and forwards through the
middle of the tube, the needle on the galvonometer moved. He had created the first ever
generator of electricity.

A generator essentially converts motive power (mechanical energy) – in this case, the motion of
the magnet moving backwards and forwards – and converts it into electricity. Whether the
energy source is water, steam, wind, oil, coal, or a nuclear reaction, almost all electrical power
today is produced by generators (or turbines) using Faraday’s principles(Faraday’s Electric
Generator - Age of Revolution, 2018).

Invention of the first rudimentary dynamo is credited to Frenchman, Hippolyte Pixii in 1832.
Antonio Pacinotti improved it to provide continuous direct current power by 1860. In 1867,
Werner von Siemens, Charles Wheatstone, and S.A. Varley nearly simultaneously devised the
“self-exciting dynamo-electric generator.” Perhaps the most important improvement then arrived
in 1870, when a Belgian inventor, Zenobe Gramme, devised a dynamo that produced a steady
direct current well-suited to powering motors, a discovery that generated a burst of enthusiasm
about electricity’s potential to light and power the world(POWER, 2017).

Basic Solar Power System

The solar panel converts sunlight into DC electricity to charge the battery. This DC

electricity is fed to the battery via a solar regulator which ensures the battery is charged properly
and not damaged. DC appliances can be powered directly from the battery, but AC appliances
require an inverter to convert the DC electricity into 240 Volt AC power. Some DC appliances
can be connected to the regulator to take advantage of the Low Voltage Disconnect and protect
your battery(Solar System Basics - How Does Solar Power Work? - Solar Online Australia,
2018).

Here are the detailed descriptions of the components(Solar System Basics - How Does Solar
Power Work? - Solar Online Australia, 2018):

Solar Panels – The device that collects solar radiation and converts it into electricity. Solar
panels can be wired in series or in parallel to increase voltage or current respectively. The rated
terminal voltage of a 12 Volt solar panel is usually around 17.0 Volts, but through the use of a
regulator, this voltage is reduced to around 13 to 15 Volts as required for battery charging.

Solar Regulators - These regulate the current from the solar panels to prevent the batteries from
overcharging. Overcharging causes gassing and loss of electrolyte resulting in damage to the
batteries. A solar regulator is used to sense when the batteries are fully charged and to stop, or
decrease, the amount of current flowing to the battery.

Inverters - A device which converts the DC power in a battery to 240V AC electricity. Inverters
come in two basic output designs, pure sine wave and modified sine wave (square
wave).Inverters are generally rated by the amount of AC power they can supply continuously.

Deep Cycle Solar Batteries - Deep cycle batteries that are used in solar power systems are
designed to be discharged over a long period of time (e.g. 100 hours) and recharged hundreds
or thousands of times, unlike conventional car batteries which are designed to provide a large
amount of current for a short amount of time.

Sources of pictures

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=solutions/electric-motors-how

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=solutions/electric-motors-how

https://knowhow.napaonline.com/alternate-source-inside-an-alternator/

https://ageofrevolution.org/200-object/faradays-electric-generator/

https://www.solaronline.com.au/solar_system_basics.html

My definition of terms:

Alternating Current -

Direct Current -

Hydel power plant -

Diesel engine -

Galvanometer -

Coil -
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