Generator
Coal to Electricity: Generator
An Electric Generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
A generator works on the principle of " Electromagnetic Induction"
If a conductor [copper wire] is moved through a magnetic field an electric current will flow [be induced]in the conductor.
This Java applet simulates a generator which is reduced to the most important parts for clarity.
We thank Walter Fendt for his permission to use this animation and suggest you visit his site for many other excellent physic animations http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/generator_e.htm .
In Power Stations the same principle of "Electromagnetic Induction " is used.
However the magnetic field moves past the conductor inducing an electric current in the wire. In these generators the high voltage does not pass through the brushes and slip rings.
Power stations generate electricity at 16,000 to 20,500 volts which is to high to transfer through brushes and slip rings.
Today a turbine is used to provide the mechanical energy. In the 1890 to 1910 steam engines usually provided this mechanical energy
The generator consists of two main parts: the rotor (which turns); and the stator (which is fixed).