What is the function of a generator?

Answer 1

There are several different types of generators. I'll explain how a "large" 3 phase synchronous generator works - the type that most likely is generating the power you're using at work or home.

The generator is only a small part of a power plant. It is composed of two sets of windings, one on the stator, or stationary part of the generator, and the other mounted on the rotor, or rotating part of the generator. Usually the rotor windings have voltage applied to them by an outside source that is controllable by the power plant operators through what is called the "voltage regulator".

A power source is used to spin the rotor. This can be a steam turbine, a wind turbine, and many others. As the rotor spins, it induces current in the stator windings in proportion to the amount of power applied to the rotor windings by the voltage regulator (VR). This current flows out of the stator windings, which are connected to a load through the transmission system. This current, in turn, induces a reverse force (called "back emf") on the rotor winding. The back emf causes the rotor to slow down. As the rotor slows down, the governor (a system that monitors the generator's speed, and keeps it within a certain range) kicks in to speed the generator back up.

Answer 2

In a generator, a magnet is rotated. This rotating component is called the rotor (surprise) and it rotates inside a coil of wire, called the stator (because this coil of wire is stationary and doesn't move). This rotating magnet causes the magnetic field to change from North to South, over and over again. This causes a change in the "flux density", which is a little bit like the amount of magnetic field through the coils of wire (the stator). If you change a magnetic field around a wire, it induces a current in the wire. A law called Lenz's law, states that if magnetic flux changes, it will induce a current to oppose that change. That is to say, if you change the magnetic flux, this will cause a current in the material that will try to make a magnetic field in the opposite direction that will oppose that change. So when you turn a generator, you are changing the magnetic field inside the generators copper coils. The electrons in those wires start moving so that they can make a magnetic field to prevent you from turning it. That is why it's hard to turn it. Current is flowing electrons, so when they start flowing to oppose your turning, they cause an electric current.

If you would like to learn more, please visit the links I attached below.

Note: A simple DC motor can be used as a generator if you just turn it and attach a small load to its terminals (a little light bulb). The operation of a simple DC motor and DC generator are identical, just used backwards.

Answer 3

The princible is very simple: "Whenever the current carrying coil placed in the magnetic field, the coil will experience the mechanical force"

Answer 4

A generator is a device used to create electricity. The most common type of generator is an emergency generator. These come in many sizes and usually run on gasoline or diesel fuel.