− | In [[electricity]] [[generation]], an electric '''generator''' is a device that [[converts]] [[mechanical]] energy to [[electrical]] [[energy]]. The reverse [[conversion]] of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by a motor; motors and generators have many similarities. A generator [[forces]] [[electrons]] in the windings to [[flow]] through the external [[electrical]] [[circuit]]. It is somewhat [[analogous]] to a [[water]] pump, which [[creates]] a [[flow]] of [[water]] but does not create the water inside. The [[source]] of [[mechanical]] [[energy]] may be a [[reciprocating]] or turbine [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_engine steam engine], water falling through a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydropower turbine or waterwheel], an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine internal combustion engine], a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine wind turbine], a hand crank, compressed air or any other [[source]] of mechanical energy. | + | In [[electricity]] [[generation]], an electric '''generator''' is a device that [[converts]] [[mechanical]] energy to [[electrical]] [[energy]]. The reverse [[conversion]] of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by a motor; motors and generators have many similarities. A generator [[forces]] [[electrons]] in the windings to [[flow]] through the external [[electrical]] [[circuit]]. It is somewhat [[analogous]] to a [[water]] pump, which [[creates]] a [[flow]] of [[water]] but does not create the water inside. The [[source]] of [[mechanical]] [[energy]] may be a [[reciprocating]] or turbine [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_engine steam engine], water falling through a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydropower turbine or waterwheel], an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine internal combustion engine], a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine wind turbine], a hand crank, compressed air or any other [[source]] of mechanical energy. |