A generator actually doesn’t produce electricity, rather, it converts chemical or mechanical energy into electrical energy. It does this through using the chemical energy to cause a component to rotate, and this rotation turns into electrical power or energy by forcefully moving electrons from an outer source with the help of an electrical circuit. Thus, a generator is, by necessity, an electrical motor that works in a reverse system.
How Do Generators Work?
There are even huge electrical generators that provide electricity by using water to turn a set of turbines. This type of generator produces an enormous amount of electricity and is typically industrial in nature, such as a hydroelectric plant. Residential and commercial generators are comparatively smaller in size and work with the help of a traditional fuel supply, such as diesel, gasoline, propane, etc. In essence, a generator works through the combined performance of the components discussed below:
Engine
The engine is the most important component of a generator as it supplies energy to the generator. The higher the power of the engine, the more electricity it can provide you.
Alternator
The alternator is another important component and is where mechanical energy gets converted into electrical energy. The alternator is also called the ‘genhead’. It includes both stationary and moving parts that work in combination to produce electromagnetic fields. It also causes the movement of electrons that produce electricity.
Fuel System
The fuel system is the combination of a fuel tank, a connecting pipe from the tank to the engine, a return pipe from the engine to the tank, and a fuel pump. A fuel filter removes debris so that they don’t enter the engine. There is also an injector that forcefully transfers the fuel into the combustion chamber. This fuel system creates an environment for the generator to produce the required electricity from combustion of the fuel.
Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator is one of the most important components of a generator. It helps the generator control the voltage of the electricity produced. It also works to convert the electricity from AC energy to DC energy whenever needed.
Cooling and Exhaust Systems
Having a cooling and exhaust system is very important to keep your generator from overheating. A generator produces a lot of heat and thus needs to be kept cool during continuous use. Otherwise, you will end up with a damaged generator. The cooling system prevents your generator from overheating, and the exhaust system removes the fumes from the generator while it runs.
Lubrication System
The lubrication system lubricates a lot of essential and small moving parts inside the generator. This system lubricates all these smaller components with engine oil so that your generator can run smoothly, without generating too much friction. This system also protects these parts from excessive wear.
Battery Charger
Your generator gets started with the help of the batteries. The battery charger charges the battery automatically and makes sure the generator is ready to start whenever needed.
Control Panel
The control panel is another important component of the generator that controls different aspects of the operation of your generator. It controls the generator from starting to running to output.
Main Assembly or Frame
The main assembly or the frame of the generator is its outer appearance that we see. This is the structure that holds all the parts of your generator and keeps everything in place.
