Electric Generators
Electric generators is our primary source of power in this country. Everything from the Lights that help us see in dark spaces to heat that keeps us comfortable in the winter, to large factories filled with electric motors converting the electrical energy which was once mechanical back into mechanical motion to do specific tasks that could not be done without electicity. In this section we will discuss the major components of a generator so that you will better understand where energy comes from and the different things that can cause a generator to fail.
Prime Mover - The Prime Mover is what turns the generators magnatized armiture around the stator forcing electrons to move through the stator windings and into the closed or transmisssion circuit. There are many kinds of prime movers but some of the more popular ones are as follows:
Nuclear or Coal Generated Steam Turbines
Natural Gas Turbines
Fossel Fuel Recipricating Engines
Gravety Fed Water
All of these sources have to turn at a specific speed and constant torque to produce the right energy to maintain the generator in perfect balance. The prime mover is always equipped with a governer and speed controller monitoring the speed of prime mover as well as the output of the generator to keep the system tuned properly and working. After the spinning Shaft from the prime mover the components of the generator are as follows:
The Voltage Regulator - This device induces a DC current on the Generator Armiture that spins inside the Generator Armiture producing the exact magnetic field needed to move electrons through the Stator windings.
The Generator Excitor - This device recieves the DC power from the voltage regulator and induces this power onto the main armeture windings causing the magnetic field for power production.
The Generator Armiture - The Armiture is a spinning electro magnet that induces a current onto the stator windings
The Generator Stator - This is where the energy is created. The greater the magnetic field on the Armiture, the greater the power production of the generator.
Load Controller - Often generators are equipped with a load controller that works with the voltage regulator and speed controllers to maintain specific speed, torque and magnetic field to keep the generator running properly.