Generator
Basics 101
Topics
• What is a Generator?
• How does a Generator work?
• Components of Generator
• Components of the Power System
What is a Generator?
Machine that produces power
by converting Mechanical
energy (Rotation) into
Electrical energy (Power)
How Does a Generator work?
• A Prime Mover (Engine) creates Mechanical Energy by
converting Chemical Energy (Fuel) into Rotational Energy.
• With an Alternator connected to our Prime Mover, the
Mechanical Rotational Energy can then be converted to
Electrical Energy (Power)
Component
s of A
Generator
We can break the Generator down into 3
sections;
The Controls
Mechanical Section
Section (Prime
Mover or
Engine)
The Electrical
Section
(Alternator)
Mechanical
Section
The Mechanical Section of a Generator
consists of the Prime mover (Engine) and
all associated components;
• Engine itself, can be Diesel, Natural
Gas, Propane or Gasoline. Mechanical
or Electronic controlled.
• The engines support systems such as;
Exhaust system, Radiator / cooling
system, DC Power system (Batteries
and DC Alternator for charging the
batteries)
Electrical Section
• The Electrical Section of a
Generator consists of;
• Alternator itself.
• The Alternator support
systems such as; Voltage
Regulator
• Generator Main Breaker
Controls Section
• The controls Section is the
brain of a Generator and
consists of;
• Controller itself.
• Relays and fuses
• Internal wiring of controller
• External wiring / harness
(Multiple wires bundled inside a
protective cover)
• Sensors
Components of the Power
System
Additional to the Generator, there are some
more components that are not directly part
of the Generator but are essential to its
functionality;
• Battery Charger
• Block Heater
• Transfer Switch
• Building / Enclosure and HVAC systems
Summarize
Thank you
If you would like additional information, you can
reach out directly to me, or anyone on the Simson
Maxwell technical support team. Simson Maxwell
also has access to some books that give a more
comprehensive description of power generation;
Devon Pires, Senior Service Technician
• Essentials of Electric Power Generation467 Exploration Ave. SE, Calgary, AB T3S 0B4
• Fundamental Electrical TroubleshootingP 403-252-8131 | DL 403-305-8417
dpires@simmax.com
