Internal combustion engine

Maybe you have a generator at home or you plan on buying one. Very important information to know is how these generators work. The basic principle is that they convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The thing that has changed over the years in their structure is the source that provides the mechanical energy. This can be created by internal combustion, wind or water turbines, and means of steam.

Let’s talk a little about electric generators. They function based on electromagnetic inductions.
The structure is made out of conductive material (copper wire), a magnet and a mechanism to initiate motion (turbine for big models or a hand crank for small devices).
The system starts working as the turbine or hand crank begin to move. The copper wire begins to have a circular movement. Simultaneously, the magnets create a magnetic field which will send an electric current to the conductive material. After a few seconds, the circular movement will generate the constant stream of electricity.

Another common model is the portable generator. It is best suited for temporary loss of energy. This generator is powered by gasoline, natural gas or diesel. You can start on by pulling a cord or letting the battery do its job.
How do they work? The internal combustion engine produces energy that is transformed into electricity by an alternator. Also, there is a speed controller that sets the motor’s rpm (revolutions per minute) and a voltage stabilizer that controls the output for it not to cross the established barrier.

An interesting type of generator is the wind powered model. When the wind reaches the turbine, moves the blades and so energy is produced. The energy goes through a main shaft (with the help of a rotor) and makes the generator to create electricity.
If you need energy for a single house, choose one wind turbine. Wind farms will be required to give electricity to bigger areas, alongside owner grids to distribute the power. The same principle of working is applied to water generators, only instead of wind, waves or falling water will be the starters of the process.

Humans can create energy too. Of course, the channel remains the generator but the driving force would be human actions like pedaling or pumping.

All in all, small trivia about generators is useful, even if you won’t end up fixing serious damages.

conductive material, electric generators, electrical energy, electromagnetic inductions, hand crank, internal combustion, internal combustion engine, mechanical energy, turbine, voltage stabilizer, wind or water turbines