Electric generator

Basic model of an electric generator

Electric generators are used to transform mechanical or kinetic energy into electric potential difference, also known as voltage. There are several power generation applications that require the use of electric generators. The first electric generators created direct current (DC), but later were replaced with the cheaper, more efficient alternating current. Almost all power plants use (AC) generators; the exception is photovoltaic solar power.

Electric generators get their kinetic energy from a fuel (like natural gas) or a flow (like hydro or wind). One particular kind of generator that runs off of diesel is the diesel generator; these are often useful in remote areas like Canada's far North, for the Yukon power grid.