Generator

1. Definition

A generator is an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. This mechanical energy can be generated, for example, by a turbine, an internal combustion engine, or a hydroelectric power plant. Generators are the heart of power generation, both in large power plants and in smaller industrial facilities.

2. Application Areas in Industry

Generators are used in a multitude of industrial applications:

  • Power Supply:
    • Self-supply of industrial facilities with electrical energy
    • Emergency power supply in case of power outages
    • Provision of electricity for mobile applications (e.g., construction sites, events)
  • Drive Technology:
    • Driving electric motors in production facilities
    • Frequency converters for controlling drive speeds
  • Research and Development:
  • Power supply for laboratories and research facilities
  • Simulation of electrical networks

3. Types of Generators

Generators can be classified according to different criteria:

  • According to the mode of generation of mechanical energy:
    • Turbo generators: Driven by steam turbines (in power plants) or gas turbines (in industrial facilities)
    • Hydro generators: Driven by hydraulic turbines
    • Diesel generators: Driven by diesel engines
  • According to the type of current produced:
    • Alternators (synchronous machines): Produce three-phase alternating current
    • Dynamos (DC machines): Produce direct current (less common in modern installations)
  • According to the construction:
    • Internal pole machines: The excitation is in the rotor
    • External pole machines: The excitation is in the stator
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