The History of the Electric Generator

The generator is now such a well-used resource it's often easy to forget that they've been around since the early 1800s. It was Michael Faraday, an English physicist who first discovered that rotary mechanical power could be converted into electric power in the 1830s. After discovering this principle of electromagnetic induction, he went on to build the first electromagnetic generator called the Faraday disc, a homopolar generator in which a copper disc was rotated between the poles of a magnet. It is said that today's use of electricity in technology is largely a result of his efforts.

The next innovation in the generator industry came along shortly after the Faraday disc, in the form of the dynamo, also known today as the generator. This was the first generator which was able to deliver power for industries. The first was produced by a Frenchman called Hippolyte Pixii which used a permanent magnet rotated by a crank. Further versions included the Pacinotto dynamo and the Siemens and Wheatstone dynamo.

The invention of the dynamo also lead to the discovery of electric motor principles. In the 1870s the inventor of the Gramme dynamo revealed that if his device had a constant voltage power supply, it could act as an electric motor. Although various new models and versions have been manufactured, today this Gramme design, i.e. a spinning endless loop of wire, is the basis of virtually all DC electric motors.

As regards the workings of a generator, a common misconception is that a generator creates electrical energy. This is not the case, it merely moves the energy. The flow of electric charges forms the output electric current provided by the generator.

In terms of generator safety, this has improved greatly over the years. One of the main components of generators is the control panel, which always contains an auto start and shut-down switch. The generator automatically shuts down when it is no longer required, which avoids it overheating and thus extends the service life. The main assembly or frame of the generator is also an essential safety component as it allows the generator to be earthed for safety purposes and the casing or container keeps the machine dry.