Generator how does it work for kids

It does not matter which is moving, the magnet or the wire or both , so long as there is relative, ongoing movement between them. Why is the ongoing generation of electricity always a concern? Why is it that you know that your life will be interrupted and probably disrupted if "the power goes out" for more than a day or so?

The simple answer is that, while humans can store tremendous amounts of fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil for use in emergencies, there is no good way to store large amounts of electricity. You quite likely have a version of humankind's best attempt to store electricity within reach, which is a battery. But while batteries, like everything else in the world of technology, have grown more potent and longer-lasting over time, they are extremely limited in terms of their capacity to sustain the kind of massive voltage outputs required to power whole cities and modern economies.

As a result of there being no reliable way to store electricity, in the modern world, there must always be ways of producing it from raw materials. This is why most businesses, depending on their nature, have backup generators in case the ambient town supply is interrupted. While a baseball-card shop losing power for an hour might not be catastrophic, consider the effects in a hospital intensive-care unit in which electricity-powered machines are literally keeping people alive through breathing for them and other vital functions.

Picture two large, cube-shaped magnets placed a meter apart, one with its south pole facing the north pole of the other and thereby creating a strong, additive magnetic field between them. This field points toward the north pole and, and if the ends of the magnets are perfectly vertical in relation to the floor, the magnetic field direction is parallel to the floor, like a stack of invisible carpets.

If a conducting wire standing straight up is moved through the space between the magnets and remains exactly 0. The magnetic field, wire movement and current direction and that of the wire are thus mutually perpendicular. The important takeaway from this is that this magnet-wire arrangement is perfectly set up to generate a steady supply of electricity as long as the central shaft continues to rotate, moving the wires coiled inside the cylindrical magnet in such a way as to ensure a steady flow of current through the wires and to an external machine, home or whole power grid.

The trick here, of course, is providing the power for the shaft to spin. Engineers have produced a variety of different kinds of generators that make use of different power sources. Electric generators can be divided into thermal generators, which make use of heat to generate electricity, and kinetic generators, which make use of the energy of motion to produce electricity.

When an electric current flows through a wire, it generates a three-dimensional magnetic force field around the wire, similar to that surrounding a bar magnet.

Magnets are also surrounded by a similar three-dimensional field. This can be "seen" in two dimensions if iron filings are sprinkled on a sheet of paper placed over the magnet. The filings align themselves along the lines of magnetic force surrounding the magnet. Two-dimensional representation of the magnetic field around a bar magnet. The arrows indicate the direction of the lines of magnetic force. The N north and S south indicate the poles of the magnet, where the lines of force are focused.

Emissions control requirements vary by manufacturer, generator size, and production date so the best way to determine your emissions requirements is to talk to your generator dealer or manufacturer. One of the most important components of modern-day generators is the generator control panel.

When the power level drops or cuts out entirely, the ATS signals the control panel to start up the generator. Likewise, when incoming power is restored, the ATS signals the control panel to shut the generator down and reconnects to power grid. Generators are engines and require routine engine maintenance to ensure proper operation. Since many generators are relied on to provide back-up power in the event of emergencies, it is crucial for operators to conduct regular checks and inspections of their gensets to ensure the machine will operate as needed, when needed.

The best generator maintenance routine is the one recommended by the manufacturer, but, at a minimum, all generator maintenance plans should include regular and routine:. Be sure to maintain a maintenance log for recordkeeping.

Include all readings, fluid levels, etc. These records can be compared against future records and used to help detect abnormalities or changes in operation which may clue you in to hidden issues that could become major problems if left unchecked. Generators can last for decades when properly maintained. These simple, small investments will definitely pay off over time by saving on expensive repairs or even full genset replacement. The single most important part of installing a backup generator or a prime generator is getting the size right.

Even worse, running an undersized machine can strain the unit, causing the generator to cut out mid-operation, may lead to premature generator failure, and can possibly damaging the devices connected to it. In other words, you still require the generator to provide a certain amount of power whether the generator is run continuously or only on an emergency basis.

Installing a generator that provides much more power than you need is a waste of resources. Generators range in power capacity from 5 kW to 50 kW in the residential market and from 50 kW to over 3 Megawatts in the commercial and industrial markets, giving buyers plenty of choices, but also raising plenty of questions as to which generator is right for them. Correctly sizing a generator involves several factors and considerations.

The best way to ensure you have sized the generator correctly is to consult a certified electrician. An electrician can determine your exact power needs, your electrical system capacity and any necessary upgrades, and how to best install a generator. Once you have the total power requirements of facility, you can buy a generator that best meets your needs.

Used and surplus generators are a great way to save money and still get a quality machine. Since generators are so durable and long-lasting, even well-maintained used generators have a lot of life left in them. Reputable generator suppliers will have checked the unit over for issues and reviewed the maintenance log and possibly even have made necessary repairs before they put the generator up for sale.

As long as you have a maintenance record and know the history of the generator, there is no reason to shy away from used generators. Surplus generators offer similar benefits but without any or with very few running hours on the machine. There are many generator suppliers in the U. If you plan to buy a generator as a business asset and a way to keep your doors open during an emergency, take your time and work with a dealer, broker, or supplier that has many years of experience.

Find a seller who can answer your questions, assess your situation, and guide you to the best purchasing decision based on your specific needs. We sell used generators and surplus generators that have undergone a rigorous inspection and testing to small businesses and Fortune companies alike all across the U. To learn more about our services and inventory or call us at to discuss your needs with one of our project managers.

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LLC W. Toll Free: Phone: Fax: General: info criticalpower. The product has been added to the quote system. You may proceed now, or continue browsing to add additional items to your quote list. Hit enter to search or ESC to close. How Generators Work. How Do Generators Create Electricity? The parts of a generator are: Engine.

The engine supplies energy to the generator. The power of the engine determines how much electricity a generator can provide.