The application and the functional principle of the motor and generator are distinctive which is due to the construction of the two machines including different components inside. The application and use cases are distinctive for generator and motor and there are different working principles of these two components that are making it more different from each. The sources of power, structure, components and invention process are the leading factors that are creating both elements more distinctive from each other. Both machines are useful in different scenarios, where the application signifies the usefulness of the different components.
An electric motor is an operational process which is useful in different situations to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The electrical field magnet helps create the electromagnetic field to operate a motor. Different use cases of motor applications are possible by the application of the DC power only.
The structure that makes the motor unique from different other mechanical components is the commutator, which helps in rotating the armature coil’s interface with a stationary circuit. Moreover, the Armature Core in the motor holds the Armature coil in a fixed area to deliver the required mechanical support to run the electric motor (Huang et al. 2019).
The efficiency of the field management is the most effective part to operate the electrical energy to transform it into the mechanical format. Brushes are another vital structural component that helps in conducting electricity between wires and parts that are moving, most generally in the rotating pole.
Figure 1: Working principle of a motor
The consequent field manages to retrieve its earliest position, such as the main field’s axis and the field can exert the applied force at the conductor’s limitation, and therefore the coil begins to rotate. The function of an electric motor works on the principle which is carrying the current to the conductor and producing the magnetic field around it (Circuitglobe, 2022). The flow of the electricity happens due to the application of the magnetic fields.
The application of electric motors has different use cases. The forces that are constructed due to the application of the electricity make the components perform with mechanical power. Examples of an electric motor can be discovered in mechanical parts such as water pumps, drilling machines, washing machines, and different other industrial types of equipment where the rotating force is the primary action (Li, 2020).
Figure 2: Diagram of an electric generator
Generators are useful in supplying the formed mechanical energy from the electricity and force to move the present electric charges. This electron flow includes the output electricity and supplies by the generator. Electromagnetic induction is the latest technique that is used in generators as a working principle. The engine used in a generator is the primary source of mechanical energy (Electrical4u, 2022).
Moreover, the structure of a generator uses a voltage regulator to control the output; the cooling system is one of the additional components that help in regulating the level of heat during the generator is working
The primary utilisation of a generator is in delivering power. The generator is commonly utilised as a power backup in small industries and households. Supplying power for transportation can be one example of generator use as a source of renewable energy (Elsasser, 2019).
A generator is a machine that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy whereas a motor can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Gas and oil are the primary sources of energy to operate a generator, whereas DC is the primary source for operating a motor
The following table is useful to understand the difference between generator and motor. Electricity is employed in the motor for regular operation with the help of mechanical forces, but the generator can deliver the electricity. The Shaft of the motor is operated by the magnetic energy formed between armature and field windings whereas, the Shaft of the Generator is connected to the rotor and is operated by mechanical power (Circuitglobe, 2022). The generator gets used in the power station to supply electricity whereas the motors are used in regular appliances such as ceiling fans, cars, elevators, and other industrial equipment
Figure 3: Difference between Generator and Motor
The following table helps to comprehend a deep knowledge regards the difference between the motor and generator
| Differentiation | Generator | Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Invention | Generator was invented in 1831. | Motor was invented in the 1740s. |
| Principle | Electromagnetic field | Magnetic field |
| Process | Converts electrical energy into mechanical | Converts mechanical energy into electrical |
| Rule | Generator follows the Fleming’s right-hand rule | Motor follows the Fleming’s left-hand rule |
| Examples | Power stations, backup for electricity | Toys, cars, pump, ceiling fans (Circuitdigest, 2022). |
This tutorial expresses the distinctions between the electric motor and generator. Different elements of both electric motor and generator differ from each other. The mechanism, work principle, source of power, and utilisation has the different. The usefulness of both elements is significant in different industries. Moreover, the application of the generator acts differently than the electric motor. Additionally, the conversion of electricity to energy is followed in both devices are distinctive than other.
Q1. What are the types of electric generators?
Based on the operations and electricity generations in the generators, the classification of the electric generators has two major types. AC generators and DC generators are classified differently. More types of generators are portable, standby, and inverter.
Q2. What are the types of electric motors?
The types of electric motors are AC motor and DC motor. Further, AC motors have two different types: synchronous motor and induction motor.
Q3. What are the basic areas of distinction between the electric generator and electric motor?
The generation of energy, components, application, rules, and working principles are different for the electric motor and electric generator.
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