Electric generator

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Introduction

Summary

An alternator converts mechanical energy (from rotation) into electrical energy via electromagnetic induction. This is the core of most of our electrical power plants, and is how all electricity is generated except in electrochemical systems (batteries, photovoltaic cells…).

The process can be monophasic (as with a single dynamo) or triphasic (as in power plants).   

Goals

• To understand the main principles of electric power generation.
• To illustrate one of the most important applications of Faraday's discovery of electromagnetic induction.

Features

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Tags

electricity dynamo power-plant magnet magnetism energy phase pole induction Faraday