A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. When the generator is in operation, some form of mechanical power, often derived from a turbine or an engine, is applied to the generator’s rotor. This mechanical energy causes the rotor to spin within a magnetic field, which induces an electrical current in the stator coils through electromagnetic induction.
The process can be summarized as follows:
- Mechanical Energy: The input to the generator, coming from various sources like wind, water, or fossil fuels.
- Electromagnetic Induction: As the rotor spins, it creates a changing magnetic field that interacts with the coils in the stator.
- Electrical Energy: The result of this interaction is the generation of electrical current.
This conversion is essential for generating electricity for various applications, ranging from powering homes to running industrial machines.