How are Motors and Generators alike? Explained

Electric motors and generators are two devices of different functions that are related to electricity. They are both called electromagnetic machines because, in both of these devices, the rotation of the wire loop in between the magnetic field gives us the appropriate results. Both of these devices perform their functions according to their fixed and appropriate pattern.

What you need to look for:

Although there are some similarities in their work, they have differences as well. Their major and we can say it as the fundamental operating pattern of these devices differ as; the electric motor has the duty to converts the electrical form of energy into the mechanical form of energy whereas the electric generator’s duty is to convert the mechanical form of energy into the electrical form of energy.

They both have the loops of the coil in which current passes, and when it is rotated, it automatically rotates the magnetic field in the space between the two placed bar magnets, which ultimately results in their good working. Different appliances use both of these devices according to their purpose of use. Now we can differentiate both of these machines based on their similarities, dissimilarities, and working principles.

Features

If we come to their similarities, they are several between these two devices. Usually, such types of questions arise that what are the similarities and differences between electric motor and generator? So it is necessary to clarify here that the basic similarity among these two devices is that; they both have permanent and fixed bar magnets and the coil of wire in them. They both also have their spinning portion in them while they will be elaborated further.

The other factor that shows their resemblance is; the work of these both devices, which is to rotate for their functions, so we can say both of them are working on the principle of rotation. The conversion of energy into two different forms is also the same function as mentioned above. The principle that is used in both of them is the production of the electric and magnetic fields, and due to their collapse, the required energy is generated. So, here is the appropriate answer of how are motors and generators alike; the brain, which is actually a website, also aids us to draw the separation line among the similarities and differences of these devices.

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Venn Diagram:

When we compare and contrast the electric motor and generator using the Venn diagram, then it becomes more clear to us because the proper shaped material aids a lot to learn or determine the actual and appropriate working of any device.

The Venn diagram shows fewer similarities and dissimilarities between an electric motor and generator; as shown, the major similarities between motors and generators are moving of coil and having stator or rotor. At the same time, dissimilarities show the division line among both of these devices that we have already mentioned above.

While elaborating the answer to the question; what are the similarities and differences between electric motor and generator, in detail, the undermentioned table is much significant.

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Similarities

If we come to the similarities among these two devices, then they have a coil of wire which rotates and produces the rotation in the electromagnetic field that then results in its proper function. Both devices use permanent magnets and coil of wire for their appropriate operation. Both of them use a power source. Axles, terminals, and wire leads are present among both of these devices.

Electric Motor:

The upper shown diagram is of a simple electric motor, as a question arises in one’s mind that how a simple motor and generator operate/works? So it is necessary to clarify it here by showing the complete and easy diagram to elaborate the working principle of electric motor and generator.

Components of Electric Motor:

The components that are forming this electric battery are; a power source (which is mostly a DC battery in the simple motor which further supplies power to the field coil or motor armature), a field magnet (which could be a permanent electromagnet, it actually help to produce a torque on the rotating coil), an armature or rotor (helps to run or rotate the motor), commutator (a rotating interface of armature coil with the fixed circuit), brushes (conductor present to conduct the current between stationary wires and rotating shaft) and axle.

Working of Electric Motor:

The principle of working on which a simple electric motor works is directly associated with the creation of the magnetic field. Two bar magnets are fixed facing towards each other, and they have space between them. After making a loop of the conducting wire, it is placed in the space between the two magnets, where it can easily be influenced by magnetic waves. From the end, the coil is connected to the power source.

When the coil allows electric current to pass through it, a little movement takes place in it. Then, the current flowing in that conductor is interfered with by the magnetic field that is produced by the permanent magnets. So, the thing that will happen is that the coil of wire will become a magnet, and one side of it will attract towards the north side of the magnet, and the second side will attract towards the south side of the placed permanent magnet. That’s the reason for what the coil rotates continuously.

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Electric Generator:

The diagram that is drawn tells us clearly the way of working of an electric generator. Here we will completely elaborate the proper and appropriate functioning of a generator in detail, which will be very beneficial for the readers and also will help them a lot.

Components of Generator:

The components that form this electric generator are; an electric circuit, a coil of wire, two permanent bar magnets (produces magnetic field), slip rings, brushes, an ammeter, etc. When all of these components work together then the required purpose is achieved.

To assemble this whole circuit, first of all, we are required with a loop of wire, from the ends, it is connected to the ammeter, and the loop is placed between the fixed magnets.

Working of Generator:

When the wire is moved in between the waves of the magnetic field, the magnet will produce a current, which can be noted through the ammeter that is connected to the circuit. It is actually the basic phenomenon of electricity generators working. Here is an important thing that is necessary to mention that the rotation of the coil of wire through the magnetic field will only aid to produce the current through that coil, other than this way, there is no way to produces the current in the coil of wire even if a person keeps standing the whole lifting up and down the coil. It will do nothing; instead, when it is rotated, it will give better results.

Reference:

Motors/generators for traction/propulsion applications: A review

Superconducting motors and generators for naval applications

Prospects for non-rare earth permanent magnets for traction motors and generators

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Scott

I'm an engineer with 9 years of experience working on generators and inverters. Love writing about different gadgets and really passionate about energy and it's applications

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