A generator is an electric machine that converts the mechanical energy of rotation of a primary engine into electrical energy of direct current. Then the generator gives this converted energy to the consumer. The device of the generator is based on the laws of electromagnetic induction. One of the most common types of these devices is the so-called synchronous generator. It is an electric machine powered by alternating current. Synchronism is achieved due to the presence of a certain number of pole pairs. Thus, at a given frequency, the rotation speed will be constant.
The generator device is quite simple. Its main parts are electromagnets, which create a magnetic rotating field, and the armature on which the winding is located.
An anchor is one of the main parts that make up an electric generator. It has a cylindrical shape. An anchor is assembled from individual sheets of stamped electrical steel, the thickness of which does not exceed half a millimeter. Between the sheets is a layer of varnish or paper insulation. When assembling the hollows, which are stamped in a circle on each sheet, are compressed and form grooves in which the conductors of the insulated winding of the armature are laid.
The generator device provides for the presence of a collector. It consists of several copper plates that are soldered in some places to the armature winding. They are also isolated from contact with each other. The collector is located in the generator in order to rectify the current, as well as divert it to the external network using real-time brushes. The collector is fixed on the shaft of the anchor.
As mentioned above, the device of the generator is impossible without the use of the laws of electromagnetic induction. That is why the electricity generator has electromagnets in its device, which consist of pole steel cores. The cores are bolted to a generator bed cast from steel. In low-power machines, it sometimes happens that the bed is cast immediately with the cores. In most cases, the cores are drawn from sheets of steel. A coil made of copper wire wound around it is put on the core . The wire is also insulated. A direct excitation current passing through the winding creates a magnetic flux at the poles . For its better distribution in the air gaps there are poles with tips assembled from steel sheets.
An armature rotating in a magnetic field induces a variable in direction and magnitude electromotive force (EMF) in the armature winding conductors. Soldering the ends of one coil to the ends of another and applying brushes to the rings, connecting them to an external network, you can get an alternating current generator device, since in this case the rotation of the soldered coil in a magnetic field creates a current alternating in frequency and direction.
Synchronous generators are widely used in transport, especially in the railway. Usually they are used on diesel locomotives, in refrigerator sections.