Generator
Generators are devices that create or convert one type of energy into another. For instance, an electric generator transforms mechanical energy into electric power for use in an external circuit.
Electric generator
The main consideration before building an electric generator is determining the characteristics of the device to be powered. Loads can be classified as inductive or resistive, may require alternating or direct current, and differ in terms of required voltage, current (amperage), frequency, number of phases, and sensitivity to voltage fluctuations or electrical noise.
The second consideration is the energy source that will power the generator. Thermodynamic laws state that the energy invested in spinning the generator will always be greater than the generator’s electrical output. Therefore, realistic expectations must be set regarding the size of the loads that can be powered. For example, a crank-driven generator (10 watts) is typically only sufficient to power a small FM radio or charge a cellphone—usage being limited by the physical endurance of the person cranking it. Powering larger loads such as a computer or refrigerator (100–1000 watts) would require an internal combustion engine.
Materials Needed for an Electric Generator
In a survival or civilization-rebuilding context, constructing a generator from scratch is often unrealistic due to the need for machine shop tools. More viable approaches include repairing an existing generator or repurposing an electric motor to work as a generator.
Generator Repair
The main parts of a generator include an internal combustion engine, the generator unit itself, and control circuitry. To produce power, all three components must function as an integrated system.
Internal combustion engines require fuel, oil, air, and ignition via an electrical spark. Old gasoline can corrode and clog the internal components. The air filter may be clogged with dust and vegetation—clean as needed. The spark plug might be dirty or disconnected, preventing ignition.
The generator and its control circuitry typically do not contain user-serviceable parts, especially in a survival scenario.
See: Gasoline Engine
See: Full-Wave Rectification
Repurposing an Electric Motor as a Generator
The principle of electromagnetic induction allows an electric motor to convert electrical power into rotational movement—and this principle can also work in reverse. Some electric motors will generate electrical current at their terminals when the shaft is spun by an external force. The power output will correlate with rotational speed, and increasing the load will make the motor harder to turn.
The electric current produced by a repurposed motor may not be suitable for immediate use. The first priority is implementing a way to measure the generator’s power output to avoid damaging connected equipment. Second in order of priority is to regulate the generator’s rotational speed, as this directly affects the voltage and frequency of the output. Third will be converting / rectifying the current from AC to DC, and stepping down to the exact required voltage.
Dependencies
- Electricity
- Generator
- Energy
- Fuel
See also
References
| This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Generator, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License (view authors). | 
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| This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Electric_generator, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License (view authors). |
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External links
- Can You Magnetize Iron Just By Tapping It? - The Action Lab, 30 January 2022, YouTube
- Dr. STONE Generator - Sammzor, 7 January 2021, YouTube