Electricity Generation by Magnetic Induction

30-second summary

Magnetic Induction

Electromagnetic induction was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831. Faraday found that if a conductor “cuts across” lines of magnetic force, or if magnetic lines of force cut across a conductor, a voltage, or EMF, is induced into the conductor.

Most electricity is currently generated by magnetic induction through devices known as generators.

Electricity Generation - Magnetic Induction

Electricity Generation by Magnetic Induction

Most electricity is currently generated by magnetic induction through devices known as generators. A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by using the principle of magnetic induction. Magnetic induction is used to produce a voltage by rotating coils of wire through a stationary magnetic field, or by rotating a magnetic field through stationary coils of wire.

For example, a typical turbo-alternator in nuclear power plants consists of:

  • Main generator
    • 4-pole hydrogen-cooled rotor.  The rotor winding is made up of hollow conductors through which the hydrogen gas flows. The hydrogen is cooled in the hydrogen/water heat exchangers.
    • Stator with water-cooled winding (demineralized water).

Brushless excitation system. Shaft-driven, air-cooled brushless exciter. The exciter keeps a current going through the wires of the rotor. When this rotor turns, it induces a voltage in the stator.


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The primary purpose of this project is to help the public to learn some exciting and important information about electricity and magnetism.

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