Topic 6 - Generators and Motors A device that converts mechanical energy (energy of motion – windmills, turbines, nuclear power, falling water, or tides) into electrical energy is called an electric generator. The operation of a generator depends on the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

Electricity to Magnetism Oersted found that current creates a magnetic field around a wire. The amount of needle deflection depended on how much electric current was flowing in the wire. When the current was reversed, the needle moved in the opposite direction. Demo

Electromagnets When a soft iron core is inserted into a coil of wire and a current is passed through the wire, a very strong “temporary” magnet is produced, called an electromagnet When the current is shut off, the electromagnet loses its power.

The strength of an electromagnet is affected by the … A.type and size of core B.strength of current C.number of coils gQ

Magnetism to Electricity Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction in He demonstrated that moving a conducting wire back and forth through a magnetic field generated a current. Faraday created the first electricity-producing generator, which could generate electrical current. He also found that moving the magnet worked as well. Demo

What’s in a Generator? An AC generator – the most common type – has a coil of wire rotating inside a stationary field magnet. The electricity produced by this type of generator is called alternating current because it changes direction (in N. America it changes direction 120 times per second)

DC Generators A DC generator is much the same as a DC motor, and is often called a dynamo. The DC generator’s pulsating electricity is produced in one direction - referred to as direct current

The St. Louis Motor. Label the parts of the St. Louis Motor. Armature Brushes Split Ring Commutator Permanent Magnet Electrodes

How the St. Louis Works!! Electrodes are connected to the power source Brushes connect the electrodes to the split ring commutator Split ring commutator allows an interruption in the current and reverses the poles of the electromagnet.

Electrodes are connected to the power source Brushes connect the electrodes to the split ring commutator Split ring commutator allows an interruption in the current and reverses the poles of the electromagnet.

Electric Motors: Electric to Mechanical Energy Generators and Motors are built exactly the same. They work in reverse of one another. Generators move or use mechanical energy to produce an electric current. Motors use the electric current to produce movement (Mechanical Energy)