Electric generator

A generator is a device which is used to produce or generate anything. It has capability to take output from any source and then convert this energy to work and hence produce output in any useful form. In terms of electric science electric generator is that device which is used to produce electricity. It takes input from any mechanical energy source.

Faraday first discovered the generation of potential difference between the two ends of electrical conductor who is moving perpendicular to the magnetic field. Faraday first discovered electric generator which was known as Faraday disc. It consists of a copper disc rotating between pole of a horseshoe magnet and produce direct current.

Dynamo was the first electric generator which uses electromagnetic principles to convert mechanical energy to electric energy. It was based on Faraday’s principle and was built in 1832 by Hippolyte Pixii, a French instrument maker. The spinning magnet was positioned and its north and south poles passed by a piece of iron wrapped with copper wire.

Gramne dynamo was invented by Zenobe Gramne. Earlier designs had drawback that they induced spikes of current. Gramne reinvented the design by replacing the spinning coil with a toroidal coil. It was made by rapping on iron ring. It smoothed the current when coil was continually passing by the magnets.