Generators

Generators

Today, we will learn about generators.

We will understand what they accomplish, and how they work!

Draw

Which are you today?

Match

Review: Match the following

• Series Circuit

• Parallel Circuit

• Power Source

Electricity has a single path to flow.

Electricity can travel multiple paths.

Provides electrical energy to the circuit.

• Electricity has a single path to flow.

• Electricity can travel multiple paths.

• Provides electrical energy to the circuit.

Draw

Draw what you think is the main power source on Earth.

Where are the key places where we get the energy that we use from?

​Generators

​A generator is a device that produces electricity. The majority of generators convert mechanical kinetic energy into electricity. This type of generator uses a spinning magnet to create an electric field.

Let's check out this video!

​Recall that the law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Generators do not produce new energy. A generator performs an energy transfer, converting mechanical kinetic energy into electrical kinetic energy.

​Generators come in many shapes and sizes. However, all generators share three common structures:

• turbine

• solenoids

• conductive wire

The GIF shown here depicts a model of a simple generator. Observe the way the conductive wire spins. The spinning motion is an important characteristic of generators.

Structure of a Generator

Match

A generator always contains 3 parts.

Match the following parts with the function.

• turbine

• solenoid

• conductive wire

  
  

provides kinetic energy input

generates electrical energy

transmits electrical energy

• provides kinetic energy input

  
  

• generates electrical energy

  
  

• transmits electrical energy

  
  

​Generators come in many shapes and sizes. All generators contain a turbine, solenoids, and wire. However, the shape, size, and arrangement of these components varies. The type of input that powers a generator can affect the arrangement of the components.

In this lesson, you will learn about four types of generators:

• wind turbines

• gasoline-powered generators

• water powered generators

• nuclear generators

Types of Generators

​Let's check out this video on wind turbines!

​Gasoline Powered Generators

​Some generators use gasoline as a fuel source. In automobile engines, small amounts of gasoline catch fire. The heat from the flame causes air to expand, creating air pressure. The air pressure turns turbines in the engine, generating both mechanical energy and electrical current.

Check it out!

Water-Powered Generators

Water-powered generators use the kinetic energy of moving water to spin the turbines. These generators, also called hydroelectric generators, are usually located on a stream or river.

A massive dam at Niagara Falls (shown to the right) directs water through hydroelectric generators, providing electricity to surrounding communities.


Check it out!

Nuclear Generators

Nuclear reactors use energy released when atoms break apart. Splitting atoms releases a great deal of heat energy.

A nuclear reactor uses the heat released by splitting atoms to boil water. The steam produced by boiling the water turns a turbine. The spinning of the turbine produces electricity that enters the electrical grid. Nuclear reactors are generators that produce enough electricity for entire cities.

​In Conclusion

Although gasoline-powered, water-powered, and nuclear generators look very different, they all perform a similar function. All three types of generators perform energy transfers that convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.