Working of Generator Set for Electricity

Do you have any idea how a generator can work? In this post, we have shared in detail how a generator set for electricity works.

A generator is something mysterious. The generator works by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and then produces current or electricity.

There are many methods followed by the generator sets for electricity. A rotating rotor produces a current in an armature. This rotation can be done by using a coupling method. For example, you can couple a diesel engine with the generator's Armature, and then the rotor begins to rotate, thus producing current.

Even in power plants, the high-pressure steam is allowed to hit a turbine, and when the turbine starts rotating, it is coupled with the Armature to produce current.

Working of generators

Now let's see how an armature can produce electricity by rotating. There are two types of windings field winding and armature winding.

The field winding is not rotatable or movable, but it is stationary that is fixed. But when it comes to armature winding, it is constructed so that it tends to be rotated. The field winding produces magnetic flux. An induced emf is produced when the armature coil begins to rotate between the north and south poles. 

This process is explained in Faraday's Law. The coil observes the produced emf from the armature rotation, and then it gives output. This output is nothing but electric power or electricity. From this output, we consider AC and DC. 

Do you know how a circuit is completed?

It's simple! When an armature starts to rotate, it rotates in 360 degrees. If a rotation is completed to the generator sets for electricity, then a circuit is completed. Once the rotor rotates from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, the current will be in a forward direction, and when the rotor rotates from 180 degrees to 360 degrees, the current will be in the reverse direction. 

The current that changes from one direction to another is known as Alternating Current. One complete rotation is called 1-hertz frequency.

Components used in the generator and how it works

Generally, the generator produces Alternating Current. By using two components, this is divided into AC and DC. A component named Slip ring is used to produce AC. Slip ring contains a carbon brush in between them. When the rotor rotates, the slip ring also rotates. As the slip ring rotates, it rubs the carbon brush to produce electricity.

For direct current, there is no phase change. A component called a split ring is used. It is otherwise known as a commutator. When this commutator rotates according to the coil, the phase either changes forward or backward, and the electric current is produced. But this production of current will be in one direction only.

The main components of a generator

Engine

Engines are the hearts of any system. The input to the generator comes from the engine. We all know, without an engine, any machine or vehicle is useless or lifeless. So, the quality of Engines should be of good quality. Before buying an engine, consider the best advice from the experts.

Alternator

Alternators are as crucial as engines. It can have two types of components like fixed and movable. These components help us to produce electric current from generators set for electricity. As I said before, the fixed component is the stator, and the moving component is the rotor or Armature. For an alternator, it will be better to use a brush-less design because it does not require high maintenance. 

Fuel System

Humans cannot live without food and water, and in the same way, Engines cannot run without fuels. There are several types of engines, where few engines require diesel, few require petrol, few needs lubricant oils, and few require different types of gasoline.

Fuel is the only thing that keeps your engine healthy, which keeps your engine activated - ready to work mode. It should be checked regularly. We may never know when the fuel gets over. 

Voltage regulator

The voltage regulator is a simple process. By the name itself, you can understand that it operates to produce voltage. The main goal is to convert DC to AC voltage. This process can take place in four steps.

·       AC voltage converted to DC current

·       DC current converted to AC current

·       AC current converted to DC current

·       DC current converted to AC voltage

This process will be continuing until the required current is produced. The following components conduct the above process.

·       Exciter windings

·       Rotating Rectifiers

·       Armature or Rotor

Cooling and Exhaust System

When all the components work heavily, then at least there should be some rest to freshen up. That's why the cooling agents are used. Due to loads of work heat will be produced in the place. 

To minimize heat production, cooling agents like freshwater, hydrogen, and other coolants are used. Even in our houses, we use exhaust fans to remove the heat produced in the kitchen. Similarly, large industries and companies use cooling systems.

What is the need to use lubricant oils?

Lubricants are required to make work easier without any sound or tightness. Since the generator process is moving, it can become tighter, or it can even make sounds. So, lubricant oils, greases, etc., are used. You must also ensure that there is no leakage. And change lubricants when it has reduced in amount. Use suitable quality lubricants for its stability.

Battery Charger

Without a battery, the engine cannot work. Similarly, Without a battery charger, the battery will not last. So, every single component is necessary.

Main Frame

The frame helps the generator to be earthed by preventing it from any shock.

Conclusion

The generator is a system that works efficiently to produce an electric current. The generator set for electricity production has many components to generate electricity. They work in a way that creates wonder when you see them alive. If the generator were not discovered, it would have been difficult for the industries to manage their workloads.