Muljibhai Mehta International School

GOKUL TOWNSHIP, BOLINJ, VIRAR MUMBAI METROPOLITAN REGION, PALGHAR — 401303

Physics Investigatory Project Report

(2024-25)
Subject Code: 042
Topic : Electricity Generator

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Name 1 : Vedant Singh Mr. Khodidas M Gohil
Roll No. : 26 (PGT Physics)
Name 2 : Parth Jain
Roll No. : 18
Grade: Xll Science
 Certificate
Subject: Physics (042)
This is to certify that Mst. Vedant Singh and Mst. Parth Jain of class XII-Science
of Muljibhai Mehta International School have completed their investigatory project
for the session 2024-2025 on the topic : Electricity Generator.
They took keen interest and completed their project with outmost sincerity under
my guidance and supervision.
I certify that this project is up to my expectation and as per the guidelines issued by
CBSE.

I wish them very best for a successful career and bright future.

Date:

Internal's Signature: External's Signature:

Principal's Signature:

School Seal: Muljibhai Mehta International School

 Acknowledgement
This investigatory project has been a challenging and learning experience for us.
We would like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to all those who have
directly and indirectly provided generous amount of support and cooperation
during this scholarly endeavour.

We sincerely express our gratitude to our honourable Principal, Mrs. Manisha

Karekar for giving us this great opportunity and providing all the facilities required
to complete this project. We are thankful to our teacher Mr. Khodidas M Gohil for
his guidance and support.

We express our thanks to our institution for giving us a platform to develop our
knowledge and skills.

Name of the Student: Vedant Jai Singh

Parth Jain
 Index:
1. Certificate

2. Acknowledgement

3. Introduction

4. Types Of Generator (Power Supply)

5. Types Of Generator (Source of Mechanical Energy )

6. History Of Electrical Modern Day Generator

7. Working Of An Electrical Generator

8. Electrical Generator And Innovation

9. Future Scope and Advancements of Electrical Generator

10.Conclusion

11. References
 Introduction:-
An electrical generator works on a simple principle: it converts mechanical energy
into electrical energy. Imagine a big wheel connected to a bunch of copper wires.
When you spin this wheel using some external force, like steam, water, or even
wind, it makes the wires move through a magnetic field. This movement of wires
in the magnetic field creates an electrical current, which we can then use to power
our homes, devices, and appliances. So, the key idea is turning motion into
electricity by using the interaction between moving wires and magnets. Or suppose
you have a loop of wire, and you move it near a magnet. When the loop of wire
moves close to the magnet, it creates an electric current to flow in the wire. This
happens because the magnetic field from the magnet induces, or creates, an electric
current in the wire loop.

Generators use this principle on a larger scale. They have a coil of wire that spins
inside a magnetic field. As the coil of wire spins, it constantly experiences
changing magnetic fields, which in turn induces an electric current to flow in the
wire. This generated electric current can then be used to power homes, businesses,
and various electronic devices. In summary, electrical generators work by moving
a wire through a magnetic field to create electricity, and this process is known as
electromagnetic induction.
Types of Generators on the basis of Current Supply:-
Electrical generators can be classified based on the type of current they produce:
alternating current (AC) generators and direct current (DC) generators.

Direct Current (DC) Generators:

A DC generator begins its operation when mechanical energy, typically from a

prime mover like a steam engine or a turbine, is used to rotate the armature. As the
armature rotates, it cuts through the magnetic field produced by stationary field
magnets, inducing an electromotive force (EMF) in the armature coil due to
electromagnetic induction. To maintain the output as direct current, a commutator,
which is a split ring, is mounted on the armature shaft. Carbon brushes make
contact with the commutator. The commutator reverses the direction of the current
flow in the armature coil with each half-turn, ensuring that the output current
remains unidirectional. The induced EMF in the armature coil causes an electric
current to flow in the coil. The commutator and brushes then convert this
alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) by reversing the direction of the
current flow at each half-turn of the armature .The generated DC is conducted to
an external load or circuit, such as a light bulb, a battery, or any electrical device,
where it can be used to power electrical equipment.
In summary, a DC generator converts mechanical energy into direct current (DC)
electricity by rotating an armature within a magnetic field
Alternating Current (AC) Generators:

Principle: Uses electromagnetic induction to generate alternating current. When a

coil of wire rotates within a magnetic field, it induces an alternating current.
Application: Commonly used in power plants to generate electricity for homes and
businesses. AC is the standard form of electricity used in most appliances and
devices.

Consider the number of turns in the coil of the A.C. generator are N, its face area
for each turn is A, the magnitude of the magnetic field is B and θ is the angle
which normal to the coil makes with magnetic field B at any instant t. Let the
angular velocity with which the coil rotates be ω.
Then the magnetic flux linked with the coil of the A.C. generator at any instant t
will be given by:

ϕ=NBAcosθ or, ϕ=NBA(cosωt)

By Faraday’s flux rule, the induced emf is given by:
ε=−dϕ/dt ε=−d/dt(NBAcosωt) ε=NBAωsinωt
∴ ε=εₒsinωt
where εₒ=NBAω
This equation gives the expression for instantaneous value of induced emf
Types of Generators Based on the Source of Mechanical
Energy
Generators can be classified into different types based on the source of mechanical
energy that drives them.

Hydroelectric Generators:
Source of Mechanical Energy: The kinetic energy of
flowing water, often harnessed using water turbines.
Application: Hydroelectric power plants generate
electricity by utilizing the gravitational potential
energy of falling or flowing water.

Wind Generators (Wind Turbines):

Source of Mechanical Energy: The kinetic energy of moving air (wind) that drives
the rotation of wind turbine blades.
Application: Wind turbines convert wind energy into electrical power and are
commonly used in wind farms to generate clean and renewable electricity.

Tidal Generators:
Source of Mechanical Energy: The rising and falling
tides in coastal areas drive turbines or underwater
devices thus acting as a force in turning the plates.
Application: Tidal generators harness the
predictable energy of ocean tides to produce
electricity.
 Solar Generators (Solar Photovoltaic):
Source of Mechanical Energy: They directly convert
sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells.
Application: Solar generators capture energy from
the sun and are used in residential, commercial, and
industrial settings for generating renewable power.

Nuclear Power Generators:

Nuclear power generators, also known as nuclear power plants or nuclear reactors,
are complex facilities designed to harness the Nuclear energy released during
nuclear fission reactions to generate electricity.

The core of a nuclear power generator

contains fuel rods made of enriched
uranium235 or plutonium-239.
Nuclear fission reactions occur when the
nucleus of an atom splits into two or more
smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount
of energy in the form of heat. The controlled
chain reaction of nuclear fission is the
fundamental source of power in a nuclear reactor.

The heat generated by nuclear fission is used to heat a coolant, typically water,
within the reactor's primary coolant loop. This coolant is kept under high pressure
to prevent it from boiling .The hot coolant is used to produce steam in a heat
exchanger. This superheated steam is created under high pressure and is extremely
hot. The high-pressure, high-temperature steam produced by the heat exchanger is
directed to a steam turbine. As the steam flows over the turbine's blades, it causes
the turbine to spin. The spinning motion of the turbine is transferred to an electrical
generator through a shaft, which, in turn, generates electricity. The generator
produces alternating current (AC).
 So as to manage the heat generated by the fission
reactions , water , or other coolants , circulate
through the reactor and through other cooling
systems to dissipate excess heat. Control rods, made
of materials that can absorb neutrons and slow down
the fission reactions, are used to regulate the rate of
nuclear fission in the reactor.

They offer a constant and reliable source of electricity, but the technology requires
strict safety measures and ongoing management of radioactive waste. The
operation of nuclear power generators is a topic of ongoing debate and research as
societies seek to balance energy needs and environmental and safety concerns.

History of the Electrical Modern Day Generator

The history of electrical generators is closely tied to the development of electricity

itself and the understanding of electromagnetic principles. Here's a brief overview
of the historical milestones leading to the creation of electrical generators:

Electrical phenomena were observed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Scientists like
Otto von Guericke, Charles du Fay, and Benjamin Franklin conducted experiments
related to electricity, though they were mainly concerned with static electricity and
electrical phenomena like sparks and electrostatic charges. Followed by the
electromagnetic Discoveries in the early 19th century, Hans Christian Oersted
discovered that an electric current creates a magnetic field. André-Marie Ampère
further developed the understanding of the relationship between electricity and
magnetism. These discoveries laid the foundation for the connection between
electrical and magnetic forces.

Faraday's Electromagnetic Induction (1831):

Michael Faraday's experiments in 1831 led to the discovery of electromagnetic
induction. He found that a changing magnetic field could induce an electrical
current in a nearby conductor. This principle is at the core of electrical generators.

Faraday's Disk (1831):

Faraday's work also included the creation of the
Faraday disk, a rotating copper disk that produced a
continuous flow of electricity when rotated within a magnetic field. This device
can be considered one of the earliest prototypes of an electrical generator.

Dynamo-Electric Machines (Late 19th century):

upon Faraday's work, scientists and engineers like
Hippolyte Pixii, Werner von Siemens, and Sir Charles
Wheatstone developed early dynamo-electric machines
in the mid to late 19th century. These machines used
rotating coils or disks to generate electricity.

The Alternator (Late 19th century):

The late 19th century saw the development of

alternators, or AC generators, which were more
efficient and practical for power generation.
Engineers such as Galileo Ferraris and Nikola Tesla
made significant contributions to the design and
development of alternating current generators.

Power Generation and Distribution (Late 19th to Early 20th centuries):

With the development of more reliable generators and the adoption of alternating
current (AC) as the preferred method for long-distance power transmission, power
plants and electrical grids were established. Prominent inventors and entrepreneurs
like Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nikola Tesla played key roles in
these advancements.

Modern Generator Technology (20th century and beyond):

Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century, generator technology has
continued to advance. Innovations in materials, designs, and control systems have
led to more efficient and reliable generators used in a wide range of applications,
from power generation to portable devices.
The history of electrical generators is intertwined with the broader development of
electricity, and it has evolved significantly over the years to provide the reliable
and diverse power sources we rely on today.
 Working of an Electrical Generator

• Rotational Mechanism: A generator consists of two main parts: a rotor (the

moving part) and a stator (the stationary part). The rotor is connected to a
source of mechanical energy, such as a steam turbine, water turbine, internal
combustion engine, or wind turbine. When the rotor is rotated, it generates a
mechanical force that drives the system.

• Electromagnetic Induction: Within the generator, there are coils of wire wound
around the rotor. The rotor contains a magnetic field or is designed to create a
magnetic field as it rotates. As the rotor spins, the magnetic field lines around
the rotor change in intensity, causing a changing magnetic flux.

• Production of Electrical Current: The changing magnetic flux induces an

electrical current in the coils of wire in the stator due to Faraday's law of
electromagnetic induction. This induced current is known as electromotive
force (EMF) and is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux. The
direction of the induced current is determined by the right-hand rule, which
describes the relationship between the magnetic field direction and the direction
of the induced current.

• Output of Electrical Power: The induced current in the stator coils can be
collected and used as electrical power. Typically, generators produce
alternating current (AC), where the direction of current periodically changes, as
 seen in the standard electrical outlets in homes. To generate direct current (DC),
which flows in one direction, additional components like rectifiers are used

Electrical Generators & Innovation

Traffic Turbine :

A "traffic turbine" is not a widely recognized term in the field of energy generation
or transportation . It involves placing energy-capturing devices within or under
roadways or traffic-related infrastructure to convert the mechanical energy
generated by moving vehicles into electricity.
A technology that harnesses energy from the flow of traffic similar to that of a
wind turbine positioned near roadways. These turbines can capture the kinetic
energy of passing vehicles and convert it into electrical power. They typically work
on the principle of wind turbines, where the airflow generated by moving vehicles
rotates the turbine blades, which is connected to a generator to produce electricity.
Foot-Traffic Generator:
Generating electricity from steps or human foot traffic is a concept Associated with
foot traffic generator .The main principle upon which the pedestal Electric
generator Works is electromagnetic induction As we place a coil At the bottom
part of the step and attach a bar magnet to the upper part of the step , we see when
one steps on the surface the platform tends to go down and at the back end , inside
the structure the bar magnet goes inside the coil Bringing about a change in
magnetic flux leading to induction of current . Similarly when the person steps
upon the next step , the bar magnet comes out of the coil the same way the
magnetic flux changes again sand electricity is produced
Future Scope and Advancements of Electrical Generators
The future of electrical generators is likely to involve various advancements aimed
at improving efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. Here are some potential
developments and trends in the field of electrical generators:

Improved Efficiency:
Ongoing efforts will focus on enhancing the efficiency of electrical generators to
reduce energy waste and operating costs. Advanced materials, designs, and control
systems will contribute to higher conversion efficiency.

Sustainable Energy Integration:

Generators will increasingly be designed to work in synergy with renewable energy
sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This will involve the
development of hybrid systems that can efficiently store and generate electricity
using both traditional and green technologies.

Distributed Generation:
The trend toward decentralized power generation will continue, with smaller, more
efficient generators deployed closer to the point of use. This reduces transmission
losses and enhances grid resilience.

Advanced Materials and Designs:

Continued research into innovative materials and designs, including
superconductors and advanced magnetic materials, will contribute to the
development of more compact and efficient generators.

Environmental Considerations:
Future generators will likely be designed with a strong focus on minimizing
environmental impacts, such as reducing emissions and noise pollution. Emerging
Technologies:

The future of electrical generators is closely linked to the broader energy

landscape, which is shifting toward cleaner and more sustainable options. These
advancements will help meet the growing demand for power while reducing
environmental impacts and improving energy resilience.

Conclusion :-
Reflecting on my experience working on the project about electrical generators, I
have gained a deeper understanding of this crucial aspect of electrical engineering.
Throughout the project, I dived into the principles and mechanisms of various
types of electrical generators, including DC generators and AC generators , to have
a comprehensive understanding of how these machines work and their
applications.
One of the most valuable aspects of this project was the opportunity to see the
theoretical knowledge in the form of videos and pictures about local power
generation facility and observed firsthandedly how generators are used to produce
electricity on a large scale. This experience brought our classroom learning to
life.Futhermore one has also learnt that electrical generators come in various
forms, from fossil-fueled generators to renewable energy sources like wind
turbines and solar panels. Understanding the diversity of generators and their
environmental impact is essential in today's world.
 In conclusion, my involvement in the project on electrical generators has been
both educational and eye-opening. It has provided me with a holistic understanding
of the importance of generators in our daily lives, their diverse applications, and
the complex considerations related to their use. This project has not only enriched
my academic knowledge but also broadened my perspective on the world of
electrical engineering and sustainable energy.

References:-
• NCERT PhysicsTextbook for class XII

• https://www.britannica.com/technology/electric-generator

• https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Electric_generator

• https://www.elprocus.com/electric-generator-and-its-working

• https://youtu.be/zaotR2LgbwU?si=yW8gfpfp3kuglhkE