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| Generator |
| In any generator, the whole assembly carrying the coils is called the armature, or rotor, while the stationary parts constitute the stator. Except in the case of the magneto, which uses permanent magnets, AC and DC generators use electromagnets. Field current for the electromagnets is most often DC from an external source. The term dynamo is often used for the DC generator; the generator in automotive applications is usually a dynamo. An AC generator is called an alternator. To ease various construction problems, alternators have a stationary armature and rotating electromagnets. Most alternators produce a polyphase AC, a complex type of current that provides a smoother power flow than does simple AC. By far the greatest amount of electricity for industrial and civic purposes comes from large AC generators driven by steam turbines. |
| The purpose of a generator is to convert motion into electricity. This wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for one fact that a wire passing through a magnetic field causes electrons in that wire to move together in one direction. |
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