Today, generators are an ubiquitous part of life. Whether at home or at work, generators often play a vital role in ensuring that electricity supply to a building is not interrupted. However, there was a time when generators were seen as a truly remarkable invention and a wonder of science. And today, while many people know what generators are and what they do, few people are aware of exactly how they work.

Basics of electrical generators

There are many different types of generators, but the electrical generator is one of the most well-known. Essentially, the electrical generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, forcing electrons through an electrical circuit. It does not 'create' electricity per se, but allows it to flow through the circuit and thus provide a building or temporary work site with a power supply. When explaining the basics of generators, engineers may compare it to a water pump, which allows water to flow through it and to the person on the end of the tap without creating the water itself.

The history of the electrical generator has roots as far back as the 1820s, when Hungarian scientist Anyos Jedlik created Jedlik's Dynamo. However, the modern generator takes its main principles from renowned physicist Michael Faraday who in the early 1830s found that the movement of an electrical conductor could induce an electrical charge. Faraday is widely held responsible for creating the first electromagnetic generator, called the Faraday Disk, in which a copper disc was rotated around the poles of a horseshoe magnet.

Modern-day generators and their uses

Today, generators have become much more sophisticated but essentially still operate on the basis of Faraday's law. Electrical generators are now often used in homes and can be integrated with a house's electricity circuit so that when the main power supply is interrupted, the generator automatically starts to supply emergency power. However, other generators also exist - including diesel and gas-operated generators - and can be used in a variety of commercial contexts.

Office buildings often use standby generators to ensure that if their electricity supply is interrupted, they can continue to receive power and reduce business downtime. There may still be a temporary loss of communication - such as the loss of internet or telephone connectivity - but modern generators can generally restore this very quickly. Construction sites and other temporary workplaces may use generators too, and they can also be particularly useful to continue the supply of powers to homes and businesses across a country in the event of a natural disaster.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

Author: Harvey McEwan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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