The Flow Of The Presentation

1.
2.
3.

4.

Introduction ( History and Definition)

Components
Mechanism
- Generation of energy
- Flemings right-hand rule
- Faradays Law
Effectiveness of a portable generator

1. What is a portable generator ?

A portable generator is a good power solution if you don't want to invest in a
standby generator or if you need electricity for activities away from the home. Portable
Generator Basics. Portable generators can supply power to vital devices around the home
when you're facing a blackout.
A portable generator is a gas or diesel-powered device which provides temporary electrical
power. The engine turns a small turbine, which in turn creates usable electricity up to a
certain level of wattage. Users can plug electrical appliance or tools directly into the
generator's sockets, or the generator can be professionally wired into the sub-panel of a home.
Many construction teams use a portable generator to power tools and lights at a remote site.
Sports officials may also bring in one to aid in night play or to run an electronic
timer/scoreboard. Most commonly, residents and businesses left without power after a
weather event will use a portable generator to keep vital appliances operating. These devices
usually have enough power to keep a freezer, refrigerator, television and some lights working.
Because a portable generator uses a combustion engine to generate electricity, it must have
several regulators on board. The engine must turn at 3600 rpm in order to generate the
standard 60hz of alternating current in North American homes. In order to control engine
speed, a generator uses a 'governor' which mechanically keeps the engine from spinning too
fast. A voltage regulator also keeps the output at 120 volts, which keeps electric motors from
burning out.
For safety reasons, these devices must be operated under dry conditions in a ventilated
outdoor area. Carbon monoxide fumes can build up from the exhaust of the generator's
engine, so indoor use is strongly discouraged regardless of the ventilation system. Touching a
working portable generator with wet hands can cause electrocution. A canopy can be placed
over the generator to protect it from the elements, but the ground below it should be dry.
A portable generator is designed to be a temporary electrical generator, measured in hours of
use instead of days. Size does matter when it comes to the capacity the device. The key
measurement is total wattage. All electrical motors need more power to start than to run.
Before plugging appliances into the generator, add up the total number of watts all of them
will require. This information should be found on a plate near the plug. Compare this number
to the wattage rating. The generator needs to produce an equal or higher amount of wattage in
order to work safely. This may mean sacrificing the use of an air conditioner in favor of a
refrigerator. A bigger generator with a higher wattage rating means more available power for
higher wattage tools and appliances.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/00-057.htm
Portable Generators For Emergency Power
The most economical way to supply power during a power outage is to use a portable
generator of the appropriate wattage for your needs (at least 4000 Watts for starters) and
run extension cords into the house to power chosen appliances. A safer system is to have an
electrician install a power transfer switch, connected to the house's main electrical panel. Just
fire up the generator, run a single extension cord into the transfer switch and power the
circuits you need through the main circuit breaker. This eliminates the risk of electrical back
feed injuring utility workers repairing downed power lines.
A small portable gasoline-powered electric generator can provide power for TVs, small
kitchen appliances, hair dryers, power tools, lights and other comforts of civilization when
you are out roughing it in the woods.
Portable generators can be put to work on construction sites that have no electrical service,
providing clean, reliable power to operate saws, drills, air tools, air
compressors, heaters, paint sprayers and other AC-powered tools. Most are gasoline-powered,
a few run on diesel, and some models have multi-fuel capabilities, running on gasoline,
propane or natural gas. These are generally full-featured machines with engine idle control,
GFCI receptacles and 120 Volt full power switch.
http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/stories/59-How-to-Connect-a-Portable-Generator-toa-Home.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-ehwxV4nf0

Fleming's right hand rule (for generators) shows the direction of induced current when
a conductor moves in a magnetic field.
The right hand is held with the thumb, first finger and second finger mutually perpendicular
to each other (at right angles), as shown in the diagram .

The Thumb represents the direction of Motion of the conductor.

The First finger represents the direction of the Field. (north to south)

The Second finger represents the direction of the induced or generated Current (the
direction of the induced current will be the direction of conventional current; from
positive to negative).

One particular way of remembering the rule is the "FBI" acronym for Force (or
otherwise motion), B as the magnetic field sign and I as the current. The subsequent
letters correspond to subsequent fingers, counting from the top. Thumb -> F; First finger
-> B; Second finger -> I

There is also a Fleming's left hand rule (for electric motors). The appropriately handed
rule can be recalled from the letter "g", which is in "right" and "generator".

These mnemonics are named after British engineer John Ambrose Fleming, who invented
them.

What is Faradays Law ?

Faraday's law of induction is one of the important concepts of electricity. It looks at the way
changing magnetic fields can cause current to flow in wires. Basically, it is a
formula/concept that describes how potential difference (voltage difference) is created and
how much is created. It's a huge concept to understand that the changing of a magnetic field
can create voltage.

Background and History of Electric Generators

istory Of The Generator
The Background and History of Electrical Generators

An electrical generator is a device that moves electrical energy from a mechanical energy
source using electromagnetic induction. The process is known as electricity generation and is
analogous to a water pump. The source of mechanical energy may be a reciprocating or
turbine steam engine, water falling through a turbine or waterwheel, an internal combustion
engine, a wind turbine, or any other source of mechanical energy.

Historic developments
Before the connection between magnetism and electricity was discovered, generators used
electrostatic principles. The Wimshurst machine used electrostatic induction or "influence".
The Van de Graaff generator uses either of two mechanisms:

Charge transferred from a high-voltage electrode

Charge created by the triboelectric effect using the separation of two insulators (the
belt leaving the lower pulley)

Electrostatic generators are inefficient and are useful only for scientific experiments requiring
high voltages.
Faraday
In 1831-1832 Michael Faraday discovered that a potential difference is generated between the
ends of an electrical conductor that moves perpendicular to a magnetic field. He also built the
first electromagnetic generator called the Faraday disc, a type of homopolar generator, using
a copper disc rotating between the poles of a horseshoe magnet. It produced a small DC
voltage, and large amounts of current.
Dynamo
The dynamo was the first electrical generator capable of delivering power for industry, and is
still the most important generator in use in the 21st century. The dynamo uses
electromagnetic principles to convert mechanical rotation into an alternating electric current.
It is the most common way to generate electrical energy for bicycle lighting.

The first dynamo based on Faraday's principles was built in 1832 by Hippolyte Pixii, a
French instrument maker. It used a permanent magnet which was rotated by a crank. The
spinning magnet was positioned so that its north and south poles passed by a piece of iron
wrapped with wire. Pixii found that the spinning magnet produced a pulse of current in the
wire each time a pole passed the coil. Furthermore, the north and south poles of the magnet
induced currents in opposite directions. By adding a commutator, Pixii was able to convert
the alternating current to direct current.
Jedlik's dynamo
In 1827, Anyos Jedlik started experimenting with electromagnetic rotating devices which he
called electromagnetic self-rotors. In the prototype of the single-pole electric starter (finished
between 1852 and 1854) both the stationary and the revolving parts were electromagnetic. He
formulated the concept of the dynamo at least 6 years before Siemens and Wheatstone. In
essence the concept is that instead of permanent magnets, two electromagnets opposite to
each other induce the magnetic field around the rotor.
Gramme dynamo
Both of these designs suffered from a similar problem: they induced "spikes" of current
followed by none at all. Antonio Pacinotti, an Italian scientist, fixed this by replacing the
spinning coil with a toroidal one, which he created by wrapping an iron ring. This meant that
some part of the coil was continually passing by the magnets, smoothing out the current.
Znobe Gramme reinvented this design a few years later when designing the first commercial
power plants, which operated in Paris in the 1870s. His design is now known as the Gramme
dynamo. Various versions and improvements have been made since then, but the basic
concept of a spinning endless loop of wire remains at the heart of all modern dynamos.
Concepts
The generator moves an electric current, but does not create electric charge, which is already
present in the conductive wire of its windings. It is somewhat analogous to a water pump,
which creates a flow of water but does not create the water itself.
Other types of electrical generator exist, based on other electrical phenomena such as
piezoelectricity, and magnetohydrodynamics. The construction of a dynamo is similar to that
of an electric motor, and all common types of dynamos could work as motors.
Misconception
Electric currents in copper wires are a flow of electrons, but these electrons are not created,
they already pre-exist. Generators do not 'generate' them. Instead the electrons come from the
wire. In copper wire, copper atoms supply the flowing electrons. The electrons in a circuit
were already there before the generator was connected. They were even there before the
copper was mined and made into wires! Generators do not create these electrons, they merely

pump them, and the electrons act like a pre-existing fluid which is always found within all
wires. In order to understand electric circuits, we must imagine that all the wires are pre-filled
with a sort of "liquid electricity."
Using a hand-cranked generator as your power supply. Ask yourself exactly where the
flowing "electricity" comes from when a generator powers a light bulb. A hand-cranked
generator contains a coil and some magnets. When cranked, it takes electrons in from one
terminal and simultaneously spits them out the other terminal. At the same time, the generator
pushes electrons through the rotating coil of wire inside itself. It also pushes them through the
rest of the circuit. So where did these electrons come from? Unlike the situation with a
battery-powered circuit, all we have here is wires. Inside the generator is just more wires.
Where is the source of this flowing "electricity?"
When we include the generator in the circuit, we find that the circuit is a continuous closed
loop, and we can find no single place where the "electricity" originates. A generator is like a
closed-loop pump, but it does not supply the substance being pumped. Batteries are like this
as well. The liquid between the battery plates is an electrolyte, and electrolytes are
conductors. Some batteries contain acid, others are alkaline batteries, and still others use
conductive salt water. Flowing charges go through the battery, and no charges build up inside.
But weren't we all taught during grade-school that "generators create Current Electricity"?
This phrase forms a serious conceptual stumbling block (at least it did for me!) To fix it, get
rid of the bogus idea called "Current Electricity". Instead change the statement to read like
this:
"Generators cause electric charge to flow."
To complete the picture, add this: all conductors are full of movable charge. That's what a
conductor is, it's a material which contains movable charge.
A generator is like your heart: it moves blood, but it does not create blood. When a generator
stops, or when the metal circuit is opened, all the electrons stop where they are, and the wires
remain filled with electric charges. But this isn't unexpected, because the wires were full of
vast quantities of charge in the first place.
Equivalent circuit
The equivalent circuit of a generator and load is shown in the diagram to the right. To
determine the generator's VG and RG parameters, follow this procedure:

Before starting the generator, measure the resistance across its terminals using an
ohmmeter. This is its DC internal resistance RGDC.

Start the generator. Before connecting the load RL, measure the voltage across the
generator's terminals. This is the open-circuit voltage VG.

Connect the load as shown in the diagram, and measure the voltage across it with the
generator running. This is the on-load voltage VL.

Measure the load resistance RL, if you don't already know it.

Calculate the generator's AC internal resistance RGAC from the following formula:

Note 1: The AC internal resistance of the generator when running is generally slightly higher
than its DC resistance when idle. The above procedure allows you to measure both values.
For rough calculations, you can omit the measurement of RGAC and assume
that RGAC and RGDC are equal.
Note 2: If the generator is an AC type (distinctly not a dynamo), use an AC voltmeter for the
voltage measurements.
Maximum power
The maximum power theorem applies to generators as it does to any source of electrical
energy. This theorem states that the maximum power can be obtained from the generator by
making the resistance of the load equal to that of the generator. However, under this condition
the power transfer efficiency is only 50%, which means that half the power generated is
wasted as heat inside the generator. For this reason, practical generators are not usually
designed to operate at maximum power output, but at a lower power output where efficiency
is greater.
Low-power
Early motor vehicles tended to use DC generators with regulators. These were not
particularly reliable or efficient and have now been replaced by alternators with built-in
rectifier circuits. These power the electrical systems on the vehicle and recharge the battery
after starting. Rated output will typically be in the range 50-100 A at 12 V, depending on the
forecast electrical load within the vehicle - some cars now have electrically-powered steering
assistance and air conditioning, which places a high load on the electrical system.
Commercial vehicles are more likely to use 24 V to give sufficient power at the starter motor
to turn over a large diesel engine without the requirement for unreasonably thick cabling.
Vehicle alternators usually do not use permanent magnets; they can achieve efficiencies of up
to 90% over a wide speed range by control of the field voltage. Motorcycle alternators often
use permanent magnet stators made with rare earth magnets, since they can be made smaller
and lighter than other types.
Some of the smallest generators commonly found are used to power bicycle lights. These
tend to be 0.5 A permanent-magnet alternators, supplying 3-6 W at 6 V or 12 V. Being
powered by the rider, efficiency is at a premium, so these may incorporate rare-earth magnets
and be designed and manufactured with great precision. Nevertheless, the maximum
efficiency is only around 60% for the best generators - 40% is more typical - due to the use of

permanent magnets. A battery would be required in order to use a controllable

electromagnetic field instead, and this is unacceptable due to its weight and bulk.
Aircraft have also switched from DC generators to alternators; these are typically powered by
a takeoff from an engine.
Sailing yachts may use a water or wind powered generator to trickle-charge the batteries. A
small propeller, wind turbine or impeller is connected to a low-power alternator and rectifier
to supply currents of up to 12 A at typical cruising speeds.
Engine-generator
Engine - generator of the radio station (Dubendorf museum of the military aviation). The
generator worked only when sending the radio signal (the receiver could operate on the
battery power)
Hand-driven electric generator of the radio station (Dubendorf museum of the military
aviation)
An engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine mounted
together to form a single piece of equipment. This combination is also called an enginegenerator set gen-set. In many contexts, the engine is taken for granted and the combined
unit is simply called a generator. or a
In addition to the engine and generator, engine-generators generally include a fuel tank, an
engine speed regulator and a generator voltage regulator. Many units are equipped with a
battery and electric starter. Standby power generating units often include an automatic
starting system and a transfer switch to disconnect the load from the utility power source and
connect it to the generator.
Engine-generators produce alternating current power that is used as a substitute for the power
that might otherwise be purchased from a utility power station. The generator voltage (volts),
frequency (Hz) and power (watts) ratings are selected to suit the load that will be connected.
Both single-phase and three-phase models are available. There are only a few portable threephase generator models available in the US. Most of the portable units available are single
phase power only and most of the three-phase generators manufactured are large industrial
type generators.
Engine-generators are available in a wide range of power ratings. These include small, handportable units that can supply several hundred watts of power, hand-cart mounted units, as
pictured above, that can supply several thousand watts and stationary or trailer-mounted units
that can supply over a million watts. The smaller units tend to use gasoline (petrol) as a fuel,
and the larger ones have various fuel types, including diesel, natural gas and propane (liquid
or gas).

When using engine-generators, you must be aware of the quality of the electrical wave it
outputs. This is particularly important when running sensitive electronic equipment. A power
conditioner can take the square waves generated by many engine-generators and smooth it
out by running it through a battery in the middle of the circuit. Using an inverter rather than a
generator may also produce clean sinusoidal waves. There are several quiet running inverters
available that produce clean sinusoidal wave power suitable for use with computers and other
sensitive electronics, however some low cost inverters do not produce clean sinusoidal waves
and may damage certain electronic charging equipment.
Engine-generators are often used to supply electrical power in places where utility power is
not available and in situations where power is needed only temporarily. Small generators are
sometimes used to supply power tools at construction sites. Trailer-mounted generators
supply power for lighting, amusement rides etc. for traveling carnivals.
Standby power generators are permanently installed and kept ready to supply power to
critical loads during temporary interruptions of the utility power supply. Hospitals,
communications service installations, sewage pumping stations and many other important
facilities are equipped with standby power generators.
Small and medium generators are especially popular in third world countries to supplement
grid power, which is often unreliable. Trailer-mounted generators can be towed to disaster
areas where grid power has been temporarily disrupted.
The generator can also be driven by the human muscle power (for instance, in the field radio
station equipment).
Mid-size stationary engine-generator
Stationary generators used in the US are used in size up to 2800 kW. These diesel engines are
run in the UK on red diesel and rotate at 1500 rpm. This produces power at 50 Hz, which is
the frequency used in the UK. In areas where the power frequency is 60 Hz (United States),
generators rotate at 1800 rpm or another even multiple of 60. Diesel engine-generator sets
operated at their best efficiency point can produce between 3 and 4 kilowatthours of electrical
energy for each litre of diesel fuel consumed, with lower efficiency at part load.
- See more at:
http://www.uspowerco.com/articles/background_and_history_of_electric_generators#sthash.
TgwTwsfL.dpuf
Effectiveness of a portable generator :

portable generators with an electrical output rating of up to 10 kVA are used

for small scale work for short term use, i.e. less than one day; and mobile
generators are those used for longer periods and can be in excess of 10 kVA.

Where do we use portable generators ?

-

Portable generators will be used in the following situations:

use on a construction site; used to supply stalls on street markets; external

gathering or function attended by the general public, such as a country show

Three scenarios will be considered:
portable generator used with a floating earth, portable generator used without
reference to the general mass of the earth and portable generator referenced to
the general mass of the earth.

Generator

The generator part of the portable generator consists of a rotor, stator (a

stationary coil) and two rotating magnets. The stator is comprised of wires coiled around
a central metal lamination core. These coils allow the conductor to generate electrical
current. One end of the generator has a fan that runs by a centrally fitted rotor bolt. This
fan cools other areas of the generator.

Engine

The engine of a portable generator is equipped with several regulators. Most

standardized portable generator engines turn at 3600 rpm to ensure that a standard AC
current of 60 hz is produced. The engine also consists of a "governor," a device that
controls the engine's speed and revolutions. The voltage regulator portion of the engine
keeps the voltage at a standard 120 volts.

Circuit Breaker Switch

A portable generator also contains a circuit breaker switch, which detects

excessive current flow. It protects the device receiving the power by opening a circuit
between the receptacles and the generator.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_5580062_parts-portable-generator_.html

Electric generator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

U.S. NRC image of a modern steam turbine generator.

This article is about electromagnetic power generation. For electrostatic generators like the
Van de Graff machine, see Electrostatic generator.
In electricity generation, 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.
The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric
motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. Many motors can be mechanically
driven to generate electricity and frequently make acceptable generators.
Contents

1 Terminology

2 History
o

2.1 Theoretical development

2.2 Direct current generators

2.3 Alternating current generators

2.4 Self-excitation

3 Specialized types of generator

3.1 Direct current

3.1.1 Homopolar generator

3.1.2 MHD generator

3.2 Alternating current

3.2.1 Induction generator

3.2.2 Linear electric generator

3.2.3 Variable speed constant frequency generators

4 Common use cases

4.1 Vehicular generators

4.1.1 Roadway vehicles

4.1.2 Bicycles

4.1.3 Sailboats

4.2 Genset

4.3 Human powered electrical generators

4.4 Mechanical measurement

5 Equivalent circuit

6 See also

7 References

8 External links
Terminology

Eary Ganz Generator in Zwevegem,West Flanders, Belgium

Electromagnetic generators fall into one of two broad categories, dynamos and alternators.

Dynamos generate direct current, usually with voltage and/or current fluctuations,
usually through the use of a commutator

Alternators generate alternating current, which may be rectified by another (external

or directly incorporated) system.

Mechanical:

Rotor: The rotating part of an electrical machine

Stator: The stationary part of an electrical machine

Electrical:

Armature: The power-producing component of an electrical machine. In a generator,

alternator, or dynamo the armature windings generate the electric current. The armature
can be on either the rotor or the stator.

Field: The magnetic field component of an electrical machine. The magnetic field of
the dynamo or alternator can be provided by either electromagnets or permanent magnets
mounted on either the rotor or the stator.

History
Before the connection between magnetism and electricity was discovered, electrostatic
generators were used. They operated on electrostatic principles. Such generators generated
very high voltage and low current. They operated by using moving electrically charged belts,
plates, and disks that carried charge to a high potential electrode. The charge was generated
using either of two mechanisms: Electrostatic induction and the triboelectric effect. Because
of their inefficiency and the difficulty of insulating machines that produced very high
voltages, electrostatic generators had low power ratings, and were never used for generation
of commercially significant quantities of electric power.
Theoretical development[edit]

The Faraday disk was the first electric generator. The horseshoe-shaped magnet (A) created a
magnetic field through the disk (D). When the disk was turned, this induced an electric
current radially outward from the center toward the rim. The current flowed out through the
sliding spring contact m, through the external circuit, and back into the center of the disk
through the axle.

Main article: Electromagnetism

The operating principle of electromagnetic generators was discovered in the years of 1831
1832 by Michael Faraday. The principle, later called Faraday's law, is that an electromotive
force is generated in an electrical conductor which encircles a varying magnetic flux.
He also built the first electromagnetic generator, called the Faraday disk, a type of homopolar
generator, using a copper disc rotating between the poles of a horseshoe magnet. It produced
a small DC voltage.
This design was inefficient, due to self-cancelling counterflows of current in regions that
were not under the influence of the magnetic field. While current was induced directly
underneath the magnet, the current would circulate backwards in regions that were outside
the influence of the magnetic field. This counterflow limited the power output to the pickup
wires, and induced waste heating of the copper disc. Later homopolar generators would solve
this problem by using an array of magnets arranged around the disc perimeter to maintain a
steady field effect in one current-flow direction.
Another disadvantage was that the output voltage was very low, due to the single current path
through the magnetic flux. Experimenters found that using multiple turns of wire in a coil
could produce higher, more useful voltages. Since the output voltage is proportional to the
number of turns, generators could be easily designed to produce any desired voltage by
varying the number of turns. Wire windings became a basic feature of all subsequent
generator designs.
Independently of Faraday, the Hungarian Anyos Jedlik started experimenting in 1827 with
the electromagnetic rotating devices which he called electromagnetic self-rotors. In the
prototype of the single-pole electric starter (finished between 1852 and 1854) both the
stationary and the revolving parts were electromagnetic. He also may have formulated the
concept of the dynamo in 1861 (before Siemens and Wheatstone) but didn't patent it as he
thought he wasn't the first to realize this.
Direct current generators
Main article: Dynamo

This large belt-driven high-current dynamoproduced 310 amperes at 7 volts. Dynamos are no
longer used due to the size and complexity of thecommutator needed for high power
applications.
The dynamo was the first electrical generator capable of delivering power for industry. The
dynamo uses electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical rotation into direct
current through the use of a commutator. An early dynamo was built byHippolyte Pixii in
1832.
The modern dynamo, fit for use in industrial applications, was invented independently by Sir
Charles Wheatstone, Werner von Siemens and Samuel Alfred Varley. Varley took out a patent
on 24 December 1866, while Siemens and Wheatstone both announced their discoveries on
17 January 1867, the latter delivering a paper on his discovery to the Royal Society.
The "dynamo-electric machine" employed self-powering electromagnetic field coils rather
than permanent magnets to create the stator field.[2] Wheatstone's design was similar to
Siemens', with the difference that in the Siemens design the stator electromagnets were in
series with the rotor, but in Wheatstone's design they were in parallel.[3] The use of
electromagnets rather than permanent magnets greatly increased the power output of a
dynamo and enabled high power generation for the first time. This invention led directly to
the first major industrial uses of electricity. For example, in the 1870s Siemens used
electromagnetic dynamos to power electric arc furnaces for the production of metals and
other materials.
The dynamo machine that was developed consisted of a stationary structure, which provides
the magnetic field, and a set of rotating windings which turn within that field. On larger
machines the constant magnetic field is provided by one or more electromagnets, which are
usually called field coils.
Large power generation dynamos are now rarely seen due to the now nearly universal use
of alternating current for power distribution. Before the adoption of AC, very large directcurrent dynamos were the only means of power generation and distribution. AC has come to

dominate due to the ability of AC to be easily transformed to and from very high voltages to
permit low losses over large distances.
Alternating current generators
Main article: Alternator
Ferranti alternating current generator, c. 1900.
Through a series of discoveries, the dynamo was succeeded by many later inventions,
especially the AC alternator, which was capable of generating alternating current.
Alternating current generating systems were known in simple forms from Michael Faraday's
original discovery of the magnetic induction of electric current. Faraday himself built an early
alternator. His machine was a "rotating rectangle", whose operation was heteropolar - each
active conductor passed successively through regions where the magnetic field was in
opposite directions.
Large two-phase alternating current generators were built by a British electrician, J.E.H.
Gordon, in 1882. The first public demonstration of an "alternator system" was given
by William Stanley, Jr., an employee of Westinghouse Electric in 1886.
Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti established Ferranti, Thompson and Ince in 1882, to market
his Ferranti-Thompson Alternator, invented with the help of renowned physicist Lord
Kelvin.[6] His early alternators produced frequencies between 100 and 300 Hz. Ferranti went
on to design the Deptford Power Station for the London Electric Supply Corporation in 1887
using an alternating current system. On its completion in 1891, it was the first truly modern
power station, supplying high-voltage AC power that was then "stepped down" for consumer
use on each street. This basic system remains in use today around the world.

A small early 1900s 75 kVAdirect-driven power station AC alternator, with a separate beltdriven exciter generator.
In 1891, Nikola Tesla patented a practical "high-frequency" alternator (which operated
around 15 kHz).After 1891, polyphase alternators were introduced to supply currents of
multiple differing phases.[8] Later alternators were designed for varying alternating-current
frequencies between sixteen and about one hundred hertz, for use with arc lighting,
incandescent lighting and electric motors.
Self-excitation
Main article: Excitation (magnetic)

As the requirements for larger scale power generation increased, a new limitation rose: the
magnetic fields available from permanent magnets. Diverting a small amount of the power
generated by the generator to an electromagnetic field coil allowed the generator to produce
substantially more power. This concept was dubbed self-excitation.
The field coils are connected in series or parallel with the armature winding. When the
generator first starts to turn, the small amount of remanent magnetism present in the iron core
provides a magnetic field to get it started, generating a small current in the armature. This
flows through the field coils, creating a larger magnetic field which generates a larger
armature current. This "bootstrap" process continues until the magnetic field in the core
levels off due to saturation and the generator reaches a steady state power output.
Very large power station generators often utilize a separate smaller generator to excite the
field coils of the larger. In the event of a severe widespread power outage where islandingof
power stations has occurred, the stations may need to perform a black start to excite the fields
of their largest generators, in order to restore customer power service.
Specialized types of generator
Direct current
Homopolar generator
Main article: Homopolar generator
A homopolar generator is a DC electrical generator comprising an electrically conductive disc
or cylinder rotating in a plane perpendicular to a uniform static magnetic field. A potential
difference is created between the center of the disc and the rim (or ends of the cylinder),
the electrical polarity depending on the direction of rotation and the orientation of the field.
It is also known as a unipolar generator, acyclic generator, disk dynamo, or Faraday disc.
The voltage is typically low, on the order of a few volts in the case of small demonstration
models, but large research generators can produce hundreds of volts, and some systems have
multiple generators in series to produce an even larger voltage.[11]They are unusual in that
they can produce tremendous electric current, some more than a million amperes, because the
homopolar generator can be made to have very low internal resistance.
MHD generator
Main article: MHD generator
A magnetohydrodynamic generator directly extracts electric power from moving hot gases
through a magnetic field, without the use of rotating electromagnetic machinery. MHD
generators were originally developed because the output of a plasma MHD generator is a
flame, well able to heat the boilers of a steam power plant. The first practical design was the
AVCO Mk. 25, developed in 1965. The U.S. government funded substantial development,
culminating in a 25 MW demonstration plant in 1987. In the Soviet Union from 1972 until

the late 1980s, the MHD plant U 25 was in regular commercial operation on the Moscow
power system with a rating of 25 MW, the largest MHD plant rating in the world at that time.
[12]
MHD generators operated as a topping cycle are currently (2007) less efficient
than combined cycle gas turbines.
Alternating current
Induction generator
Main article: induction generator
Some AC motors may be used as generators, turning mechanical energy into electrical
current. Induction generators operate by mechanically turning their rotor faster than the
synchronous speed, giving negative slip. A regular AC asynchronous motor usually can be
used as a generator, without any internal modifications. Induction generators are useful in
applications such as minihydro power plants, wind turbines, or in reducing high-pressure gas
streams to lower pressure, because they can recover energy with relatively simple controls.
To operate an induction generator must be excited with a leading voltage; this is usually done
by connection to an electrical grid, or sometimes they are self-excited by using phase
correcting capacitors.
Linear electric generator
Main article: Linear alternator
In the simplest form of linear electric generator, a sliding magnet moves back and forth
through a solenoid - a spool of copper wire. An alternating current is induced in the loops of
wire by Faraday's law of induction each time the magnet slides through. This type of
generator is used in the Faraday flashlight. Larger linear electricity generators are used
in wave power schemes.
Variable speed constant frequency generators
Many renewable energy efforts attempt to harvest natural sources of mechanical energy
(wind, tides, etc) to produce electricity. Because these sources fluctuate in power applied,
standard generators using permanent magnets and fixed windings would deliver unregulated
voltage and frequency. The overhead of regulation (whether before the generator via gear
reduction or after generation by electrical means) is high in proportion to the naturallyderived energy available.
New generator designs such as the asynchronous or induction singly fed generator,
the doubly fed generator, or the brushless wound-rotor doubly fed generator are seeing
success in variable speed constant frequency applications, such as wind turbines or
other renewable energy technologies. These systems thus offer cost, reliability and efficiency
benefits in certain use cases.

Common use cases

Vehicular generators
Roadway vehicles
Main article: Alternator (automotive)
Motor vehicles require electrical energy to power their instrumentation, keep the engine itself
operating, and recharge their batteries. Until about the 1960s motor vehicles tended to use DC
generators with electromechanical regulators. Following the historical trend above and for
many of the same reasons, these have now been replaced by alternators with builtin rectifier circuits.
Bicycles
Bicycles require energy to power running lights and other equipment. There are two common
kinds of generator in use on bicycles: bottle dynamos which engage the bicycle's tire on an
as-needed basis, and hub dynamos which are directly attached to the bicycle's drive train.
Sailboats
Sailing boats may use a water- or wind-powered generator to trickle-charge the batteries. A
small propeller, wind turbine or impeller is connected to a low-power generator to supply
currents at typical wind or cruising speeds.
Genset
Main article: Engine-generator

The Caterpillar 3512C Genset is an example of the engine-generator package. This unit
produces 1225 kilowatts of electric power.
An engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine (prime
mover) mounted together to form a single piece of self-contained equipment. The engines
used are usually piston engines, but gas turbines can also be used. And there are even hybrid
diesel-gas units, called dual-fuel units. Many different versions of engine-generators are
available - ranging from very small portable petrol powered sets to large turbine installations.

The primary advantage of engine-generators is the ability to independently supply electricity,

allowing the units to serve as backup power solutions.
Human powered electrical generators
Main article: Self-powered equipment
A generator can also be driven by human muscle power (for instance, in field radio station
equipment).

Protesters at Occupy Wall Streetusing bicycles connected to a motor and one-way diode to
charge batteries for their electronics
Human powered direct current generators are commercially available, and have been the
project of some DIY enthusiasts. Typically operated by means of pedal power, a converted
bicycle trainer, or a foot pump, such generators can be practically used to charge batteries,
and in some cases are designed with an integral inverter. 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.[15]Portable radio receivers with a crank are made to reduce battery
purchase requirements, see clockwork radio. During the mid 20th century, pedal powered
radios were used throughout the Australian outback, to provide schooling (School of the Air),
medical and other needs in remote stations and towns.
Mechanical measurement
Designed to measure shaft speed, a tachogenerator is an device which produces an output
voltage proportional to that speed. Tachogenerators are frequently used to
power tachometers to measure the speeds of electric motors, engines, and the equipment they
power. speed. With precise construction and design, generators can be built to produce very
precise voltages for certain ranges of shaft speeds
Equivalent circuit

Equivalent circuit of generator and load.

G = generator
VG=generator open-circuit voltage
RG=generator internal resistance
VL=generator on-load voltage
RL=load resistance
An equivalent circuit of a generator and load is shown in the diagram to the right. The
generator is represented by an abstract generatorconsisting of an ideal voltage source and an
internal resistance. The generator's
and
parameters can be determined by measuring
the winding resistance (corrected to operating temperature), and measuring the open-circuit
and loaded voltage for a defined current load.
This is the simplest model of a generator, further elements may need to be added for an
accurate representation. In particular, inductance can be added to allow for the machine's
windings and magnetic leakage flux, but a full representation can become much more
complex than this.

Engine-generator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cart-mounted engine-generator being used at a construction site

An engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine (prime
mover) mounted together to form a single piece of equipment. This combination is also called
an engine-generator set or a gen-set. In many contexts, the engine is taken for granted and the
combined unit is simply called a generator.
Contents

1 Components

2 Types
o

2.1 Mid-size stationary engine-generator

2.2 Large Scale Generator Sets

3 Application

4 Safety

5 See also

6 References

7 External Links

Components
In addition to the engine and generator, engine-generators generally include a fuel supply, a
constant engine speed regulator (governor) and a generator voltage regulator, cooling and
exhaust systems, and lubrication system. Units larger than about 1 kW rating often have a
battery and electric starter motor; very large units may start with compressed air either to an
air driven starter motor or introduced directly to the engine cylinders to initiate engine
rotation. Standby power generating units often include an automatic starting system and
atransfer switch to disconnect the load from the utility power source when there is a power
failure and connect it to the generator.

A Cummins Onan transfer switch

Types

MAN diesel stationary engine and generator, now on outdoor museum display
Engine-generators are available in a wide range of power ratings. These include small, handportable units that can supply several hundred watts of power, hand-cart mounted units, as
pictured below, that can supply several thousand watts and stationary or trailer-mounted units
that can supply over a million watts. Regardless of the size, generators may run
on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, bio-diesel, water,sewage gas or hydrogen.[1] Most of
the smaller units are built to use gasoline (petrol) as a fuel, and the larger ones have various
fuel types, including diesel, natural gas and propane (liquid or gas). Some engines may also
operate on diesel and gas simultaneously (bi-fuel operation).[2]
Many engine-generators use a reciprocating engine, with fuels mentioned above. This can be
a steam engine, such as most coal-poweredfossil-fuel power plants use. Some engine-

generators use a turbine as the engine, such as the industrial gas turbines used in peaking
power plants and the microturbines used in some hybrid electric buses.
The generator voltage (volts), frequency (Hz) and power (watts) ratings are selected to suit
the load that will be connected.
Engine-driven generators fueled on natural gas fuel often form the heart of small-scale (less
than 1,000 kW) combined heat and powerinstallations.
There are only a few portable three-phase generator models available in the US. Most of the
portable units available are single-phase generators and most of the three-phase generators
manufactured are large industrial type generators. In other countries where three-phase power
is more common in households, portable generators are available from a few kW and
upwards.
Portable engine-generators may require an external power conditioner to safely operate some
types of electronic equipment. Small portable generators may use an inverter. Inverter models
can run at slower RPMs to generate the power that is necessary, thus reducing the noise of the
engine and making it more fuel-efficient. Inverter generators are best to power sensitive
electronic devices such as computers and lights that use a ballast.
Mid-size stationary engine-generator
The mid-size stationary engine-generator pictured here is a 100 kVA set which produces
415 V at around 110 A. It is powered by a 6.7 liter turbocharged Perkins Phaser 1000 Series
engine, and consumes approximately 27 liters of fuel an hour, on a 400 liter tank. Diesel
engines in the UK can run on red diesel and rotate at 1,500 or 3,000 rpm. This produces
power at 50 Hz, which is the frequency used in Europe. In areas where the frequency is 60 Hz
(United States), generators rotate at 1,800 rpm or another divisor of 3600. Diesel enginegenerator sets operated at their peak efficiency point can produce between 3 and 4 kilowatt
hours of electrical energy for each liter of diesel fuel consumed, with lower efficiency at
partial loads.

Swiss Engine - generator for a radio station (Dubendorfmuseum of military aviation). The
generator operated only when sending a radio signal. (The receiver could operate on battery
power.)

Side view of a large Perkins diesel generator, manufactured by FG Wilson Engineering Ltd.
This is a 100 kVA set.

Control panel on ~100 kVA Aggrekogenerator set

Emergency powergenerator in a drinking water pumping station.Brons engine with Heemaf

generator.

Another generator, powered by fossil fuels and used at a construction site.

An engine-generator.

A common engine-generator
Large Scale Generator Sets
Many generators produce enough kilowatts to power anything from a business to a full-sized
hospital. These units are particularly useful in providing backup power solutions for
companies which have serious economic costs associated with a shutdown caused by an
unplanned power outage.For example, a hospital is in constant need of electricity, because
several life-preserving medical devices run on electricity, like ventilators.
A very common use is a railway diesel electric locomotive, some units having over 4,000 hp
(see Diesel generator).
Large generators are also used onboard ship that utilized a diesel-electric powertrain.

A Cat 3512 diesel powered generator that produces 1225 kW of prime power.

This enclosed generator set runs off natural gas. It can produce up to 650 kW of prime
power.

Another diesel generator set, which can generate two megawatts of power.
Application

Generator Tie In Panel 1200 amp outdoor enclosure

Engine-generators are used to supply electrical power in places where utility (central station)
power is not available, or where power is needed only temporarily. Small generators are
sometimes used to supply power tools at construction sites. Trailer-mounted generators
supply power for temporary installations of lighting, sound amplification systems,
amusement rides etc.
Trailer mounted generators or mobile generators, diesel generators are also used for
emergencies or backup where either a redundant system is required or no generator is on site.
To make the hookup faster and safer, a tie in panel is frequently installed near the building
switchgear that contains connectors such as camlocks. The tie in panel may also contain a
phase rotation indicator (for 3 phase systems) and a circuit breaker. Camlock connectors are
rated for 400 amps up to 480 volt systems and used with 4/0 type W cable connecting to the
generator. Tie in panel designs are common between 200 to 3000 amp applications.
[4]

Standby power generators are permanently installed and kept ready to supply power to
critical loads during temporary interruptions of the utility power supply. Hospitals,
communications service installations, data processing centers, sewage pumping stations and
many other important facilities are equipped with standby power generators. Some standby
power generators can automatically detect the loss of grid power, start the motor, run using

fuel from a natural gas line, detect when grid power is restored, and then turn itself offwith
no human interaction. [5]
Privately owned generators are especially popular in areas where grid power is undependable
or unavailable. Trailer-mounted generators can be towed to disaster areas where grid power
has been temporarily disrupted.
Safety[edit]
It is important to prevent backfeeding when turning on a portable engine generator, which can
harm utility workers or people in other buildings. Before turning on a diesel- or gasolinepowered generator, users should make sure that the main breaker is in the "off" position, to
ensure that the electric current does not reverse.[6]
Operation of portable electric generators must occur in well ventilated spaces to
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exhausting extremely hot flue gases from gen-sets can be done by factory-built positive
pressure chimneys (certified to UL 103 test standard) or general utility schedule 40 black iron
pipe. It is recommended to use insulation to reduce pipe skin temperature and reduce
excessive heat gain into the mechanical room. There are also excessive pressure relief valves
available to relieve the pressure from potential backfires and to maintain the integrity of the
exhaust pipe.

Diesel generator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Cummins diesel generator of 500kVA temporarily parked in a tourist resort in Egypt.

A 200 kW Caterpillar diesel generator set in a sound attenuated enclosure used as emergency
backup at a sewage treatment substation inAtlanta, United States.
A diesel generator is the combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator (often
an alternator) to generate electrical energy. This is a specific case of engine-generator. A
diesel compression-ignition engine often is designed to run on fuel oil, but some types are
adapted for other liquid fuels or natural gas.
Diesel generating sets are used in places without connection to a power grid, or as emergency
power-supply if the grid fails, as well as for more complex applications such as peak-lopping,
grid support and export to the power grid.
Sizing of diesel generators is critical to avoid low-load or a shortage of power and is
complicated by modern electronics, specifically non-linear loads. In size ranges around 50
MW and above, an open cycle gas turbine is more efficient at full load than an array of diesel
engines, and far more compact, with comparable capital costs; but for regular part-loading,
even at these power levels, diesel arrays are sometimes preferred to open cycle gas turbines,
due to their superior efficiencies.