The differences between generators and electric motors are as follows:
1. The principles are different. Generators are manufactured based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction; motors are manufactured based on the principle of forced movement of live conductors in a magnetic field.
2. The judging methods are different. The right-hand rule is used to determine the direction of current in a generator; The left-hand rule is used to determine the direction of movement of conductors in a motor.
3. The purpose of work and the transformation of capabilities are different. Generators require external work to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy; motors require external work to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Generators are divided into two categories, “generators” and “alternators.” Generators produce direct current and alternators produce alternating current. The first form of electrical generator useful for industrial applications, an electrical generator uses a rotating coil of wire and a magnetic field to convert mechanical energy into direct current. Originally, generators were used to generate electricity and used steam as a source to produce the required mechanical energy.
Uses of electric generators Apart from a few low-power applications, alternators are more widely used to produce electricity. These types of generators convert mechanical energy into alternating electrical current. A rotating magnet acts like a rotor, spinning inside a set of conductive coils on an iron core, which becomes the stator. When magnetic fields rotate, they generate alternating voltages in the stator. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnet or an electromagnet in a field coil.