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.
Motor vs Generator
The main difference between motor and Generator is the energy conversion technique, the linkage with electricity, the concept used, the rule by which direction can be determined, the main accessories used, the way shafts are being attached and the examples of both types of mechanical devices. Electrical power is used to power the motor. However, on the contrary, Electricity is produced or created by the generator.
A motor is specifically designed for the production of the mechanical form of energy from the energy which is in electrical form. The motor is based on the idea that any conductor carrying charge rotates when it is held in a magnetic field because it is subjected to a significant amount of force. Commutators and split rings are two accessories that are commonly used in motors or electric motors. When a copper ring is chopped in half, split rings, also known as semi-circular rings, are created.
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). Slip rings, which are copper rings that are arranged co-axially in an electric generator, are among the accessories utilised. The rotor is connected to the shaft inside the electric generators by a powerful mechanical force.
Comparison Table Between Motor and Generator
| 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. In the case of electric bikes and electric cars, electric motors are a good illustration.
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 strong magnetic force drives the shaft that is coupled to the electric motor between the field and the armature.
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. When a copper ring is chopped into two halves, split rings, also known as semi-circular rings, are created.
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 generator is specially designed for producing electricity. An electric generator or generator works on the concept of electromagnetic induction or generally abbreviated as EMI.
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 shaft that connects the rotor and the shaft inside the electric generators is powered by a powerful mechanical force.
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. The power stations are then responsible for supplying and distributing energy to the residences.
Main Differences Between Motor and Generator
- The main motto of a motor or an electric motor is to convert the electrical form of energy into mechanical energy. On the other hand, the main work of a generator or an electric generator is to convert the mechanical form of energy into electrical.
- The motor runs via the use of electricity. On the other hand, the generator produces electricity.
- The motor runs on the concept that, when any conductor carrying charge is kept in a magnetic field, the conductor rotates, as it experiences a considerable amount of force. On the other hand, an electric generator or generator works on the concept of EMI or electromagnetic induction.
- In a motor, the direction in which, the force is inclined can be detected by making use of the concept of Fleming’s left-hand rule. On the other hand, is a generator, the direction in which the current is induced can be known by making use of Fleming’s right-hand rule.
- Some accessories that are used in motors or Electric motors are commutators and split rings. Split rings, or also known as semi-circular rings are made when a copper ring is cut into two halves. On the other hand, the number of accessories used in an electric generator is slip rings, which are placed co-axially and are copper rings.
- The shaft that is attached to the electric motor, is strongly driven between the field and the armature, by the strong magnetic force. On the other hand, the shaft that is attached inside the electric generators with the rotor is driven by a strong mechanical 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. Later, it is the work of the power stations to supply and distribute the energy to the households.
Conclusion
Fleming’s left-hand rule can be used to discover the direction in which the force is slanted in a motor. However, Fleming’s right-hand rule can be used in an electric generator to determine the direction in which the current is induced. The strong magnetic force drives the shaft that is connected to the electric motor between the field and the armature.
In the case of electric bikes and electric cars, electric motors are excellent examples. However, The energy produced in the form of electrical energy, or more often known as electricity, at power plants is an example of an electric generator. After that, the power stations are in charge of supplying and distributing energy to the homes.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/491498/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/400761/