Electric generators are modern marvels, though they date back to the 1800s. British scientist and chemist Michael Faraday built the first electric motor in 1821; shortly after, he discovered that an electric motor produces a magnetic field. The rest, as they say, is history. Faraday laid the framework for an electric revolution that would change how people live and work forever.
Uncover the exciting history of generators with these six fascinating facts!
1. Generators Run on Faraday’s Law
Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction states that a charged magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a generator. All generators today still operate on this principle. This law also helps predict how an electromagnetic current will interact with an electric circuit, which affects the design and effectiveness of a generator.
2. There Are Many Types of Generators
Generators can be powered by fossil fuels, but they can also be operated by wind, water, and solar energy. There are also portable, whole-house, and inverter generators. Because there are so many options available, it’s easy to customize your purchase and get the right fit for your home, budget, and needs. The most popular type of generator in the U.S. is gasoline, but more sustainable options are gaining attention.
3. Generators Offer Standby Power to Businesses
Many businesses, like hospitals and hotels, have standby generators that offer continued electricity in the event of a sudden power outage. These generators have automatic switches that turn on and off when the main power source fails.
4. Generators Are Becoming More Efficient
Modern innovations make contemporary generators far more energy-efficient than their counterparts from only a few years ago. Improvements continue to enhance how input fuel is converted into electricity, saving you money and improving generator performance.
5. Sustainable Generators Are the Future
Many generators produce emissions that contribute to air pollution. This is because most traditional generators convert fossil fuels into energy, which results in more C02 being released into the atmosphere.
As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, we need sustainable solutions for a healthier future. New models will feature more sustainable devices that implement hybrid designs or use renewable energy sources.
6. There Was a War of the Currents in the Late 1800s
In the 1880s and early 1890s, there was heated conflict in the scientific community. Was the alternating current (AC) better than the direct current (DC)? Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse ultimately won the war when they demonstrated that the AC current can transmit over long distances faster and more efficiently than DC current.
Contact us at Current Electrical Systems today to schedule generator repair or installation in Ann Arbor, MI. Our skilled team is here to help whenever you need us.
