Every one of us is commonly aware of the words motor and generator. But few of us know the difference between these two electrical devices. A motor or generator is one of the most widely utilized electrical devices in an electrical system. Although a motor and a generator may differ, their structure is quite similar. A generator does the reverse of what a motor does, transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy.
In this article, we will discuss the functions of motors or generators and the key differences between them. So keep up with us and continue reading.
What is a Motor?
“An electrical machine known as a motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy.”
Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) sources, including power grids, inverters, and electrical generators, are used to power electric motors. DC sources include batteries, motor vehicles, and rectifiers.
Working Principle
The core principle of how most electric motors work is the interaction between the magnetic field of the motor and the electric current flowing through a wire winding. This interaction produces force in the form of torque that is applied to the motor shaft.
Importance
Electric motors are so crucial to modern life that they have an effect on practically all aspects of it. Electric motors are used in a variety of goods and gadgets, including refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, fans, computers, hard drives, automated automobile windows, and many more, to transform electrical energy into usable mechanical energy.
Components of Motor
The following are the components of the motor:
- Rotor armature
- Axle
- Field Magnet
What is Generator?
“By using a reversed power flow, a generator transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy.”
It’s critical to realize that a generator doesn’t really “produce” electricity. Instead, it forces the electric charges existing in the wire of its windings via an external electric circuit using the mechanical energy provided to it.
Working Principle
The output electric current that the generator provides is made up of this flow of electric charges. By comparing the generator to a water pump, which induces the water’s flow but does not truly “make” the water flow through it, one can better understand how this mechanism works.
Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction in 1831-32, and this is the basis on which the contemporary generator operates. Faraday observed that rotating an electrical conductor, such as a wire that contains electric charges, in a magnetic field might generate the flow of electric charges mentioned above. Due to the voltage differential that is produced between the wire’s two ends as a result of this movement, an electric current is produced.
Importance
Generators are one of the most important devices when there is a long power outage. The generator provides electricity to your home, RV, or business places. So the importance of generators in our daily life cant be neglected.
Components
- Engine
- Alternator
- Fuel System
- Voltage Regulator
- Cooling and Exhaust Systems
- Lubrication System
- Battery Charger
- Control Panel
- Main Assembly / Frame
Difference between Motor and Generator
| Features | Motor | Generator |
| Definition | An electric mechanism known as a motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. | An electrical device known as a generator transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. |
| Power supply | They can be powered by both AC (alternating current) from inverters or generators and DC (direct current) from batteries or rectifiers. | Gas-water turbines, combustion energy, and manual cranks are all potential power sources. |
| Invention | A straightforward electrostatic device created in the 1740s by Benjamin Franklin and Scottish monk Andrew Grandson was the first electric motor. | Michael Faraday created the first generator in 1831 |
| Types |
The two types of AC motors are synchronous motors and induction motors |
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| Working Principle (theory) | Its foundation is the current-carrying conductor, which when kept in a magnetic field, experiences a force | It is founded on the electromagnetic induction theory. |
| Fleming Rule |
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| Electricity | Electricity is used. | It produces electrical energy |
| EMF | It provides the circuit with outback emf. | Emf is provided to linked loads. |
| Components |
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| Uses | The motor is used to power ceiling fans, cars, bikes, etc. | Generators are used to provide electricity |
| Source of energy | M Power grids and electrical supply | The generator takes the source of energy from Turbines and the engine |
Types – Motor And Generator
Motor
The two types of electric motors depending on the nature of the supply. These are the synchronous and induction motors of the AC motor and the DC motor (Series, shunt & compound motor).
Generator
There are two different kinds of electric generators. These are the synchronised and induction generator (AC generator) and the direct current generator (Separately excited & self-excited).
Machine Input
Motor
The magnetic field is already present in an electric motor. We must provide electric current in order to generate the mechanical force. Electric current for the motor is supplied by power networks or generators.
Generator
In an electric generator, we must apply an ongoing force to rotate the shaft and hence the conductor in order to determine the direction of induced current. This mechanical force is produced by combustion engines, steam turbines, or water turbines.
Machine Output
Motor
The mechanical force is the electric motor’s output.
Generator
Electricity is the generator’s output. Depending on the kind of generator, it can either be AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current).
Current flow direction
Motor
The armature windings of an electric motor receive the flow of current. To generate mechanical force, the carbon brushes draw current from an external source and deliver it to the armature conductors.
Generator
In a generator, the armature windings induce the current. The external load attached to the generator is supplied with current by the carbon brushes after being drawn from the armature windings.
Uses – Motor And Generator
Motor
Homes, workplaces, and businesses all use electric motors. Electric motors are used in elevators, mixer grinders, drilling equipment, cranes, and hoists.
Generator
Electricity production is the generator’s main purpose. Electric generators are used by nuclear power plants, steam power plants, and hydroelectric power plants. Batteries are charged by generators in various industrial settings.
The fundamental distinctions between a motor and a generator are as follows. We hope that this essay has helped you understand the motor and the generator a little bit better.
Key Differences Between Generator And Motor – FAQs
Conclusion
The primary purpose of electric motors is to produce mechanical output, such as that of blowers, fans, mills, rollers, ships, etc. Like in electric automobiles, an electrical supply is an input to an electrical motor, which is then transformed into a mechanical output. Electrical generators, on the other hand, utilize mechanical input to produce an electrical output. This often comes in handy in cases of power outages, in places like mines where electrical supply is impossible, in isolated locations, etc.
