The energy conversion technology, the link with electricity, the concept employed, the rule by which direction can be decided, the primary accessories used, the way shafts are joined, and instances of both types of mechanical devices are the differences between motor and generator.
Key Takeaways
- Motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy for various applications.
- Generators produce electrical energy from mechanical energy, such as internal combustion engines.
- Motors use an external power source, while generators supply power to other devices.
Motor vs Generator
A motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It works by using an electric current to create a magnetic field, which in turn generates a rotational force that can be used to power a machine or device. A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It works by using a mechanical force to rotate a coil of wire within a magnetic field, which induces an electrical current in the wire.
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A motor is specifically designed for the production of the mechanical form of energy from the energy which is in electrical form.
A generator, often known as an electric generator, is a machine that converts the mechanical form of energy into electrical. A generator or an electric generator works on the concept of electromagnetic induction (EMI).
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Motor | Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Energy conversion | Electrical – Mechanical | Mechanical – Electrical |
| Linkage with electricity | Run via the electricity. | Produces electricity. |
| Concept | In a magnetic field, Charge carrying conductor rotates. | Works according to electromagnetic induction. |
| Direction | Fleming’s left-hand rule is used. | Fleming’s right-hand rule is used. |
| Main Accessories used | Commutators and split rings. | Slip rings. |
| Shaft attached | Driven between the field and the armature, by the strong magnetic force. | Driven by the strong mechanical force. |
| Example | Electric bikes and electric cars. | Electricity supplied to households. |
What is Motor?
The principal goal of a motor or an electric motor is to convert the electrical form of energy into a mechanical form of energy. The motor runs and is powered via the use of electricity.
The motor runs on the concept that, when any conductor carrying charge is kept in a magnetic field, the conductor rotates, as it is subjected to a significant amount of force.
The direction in which the force is slanted in an electric motor can be determined using Fleming’s left-hand rule notion. Commutators and split rings are two accessories that are utilised in motors or electric motors.
What is Generator?
The primary function of a generator or an electric generator is to convert the mechanical form of energy into an electrical form.
The direction in which the current is induced in a generator can be determined using Fleming’s right-hand rule. Slip rings, which are copper rings that are placed co-axially, are one of the many accessories used in an electric generator.
The energy produced at power plants in the form of electrical energy, or more often known as electricity, is an example of an electric generator.
Main Differences Between Motor and Generator
- The shaft that is attached to the electric motor, is strongly driven between the field and the armature, by the strong magnetic force.
- The example of electric motors can be well cited in the case of electric bikes and electric cars. On the other hand, the example of an electric generator is the energy which is produced at the power stations in the form of electrical energy or commonly known as electricity.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/491498/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/400761/
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
