The Basic Parts of a Generator:

A generator is composed of five parts. The armature (1a) is made up of coils of

wire wrapped around an iron core, and it is this armature that rotates when the
generator pulley is turned. The brushes (1b) are the spring-loaded contacts that
transfer current from the armature to the electrical system. The brushes
actually rest against a segmented ring at one end of the armature called the
commutator (1c). Inside the generator body are the field coils or field windings
(1d). These consist of fine copper wire wrapped around the field poles, which
are essentially pieces of soft iron.
It is the current in the field coils or windings that produces the magnetic field in
which the armature rotates. When the engine is turning over, the armature (1a)
is spun by the fan belt. In the presence of a magnetic field generated by the field
coils (1d), a voltage is induced (created) in the armature windings.
When the voltage in the armature windings (1e) is greater than the rest of the
system, current will flow from the armature windings (1e) through the
commutator (1c), through the brushes (1b), finally arriving at the armature
terminal (1e) of the generator (usually marked D). The current then flows
through the wire running to the D terminal of the control box or voltage
regulator.

We all know how a generator acts as a backup power supply when there is no
constant power supply that is available. It has now become a necessity for
every household and every company that requires electricity for various things
to work. Most of us have been using generators at some point of time. But,
have we actually tried to know about what are the different parts present in a
Generator? Every part that makes this useful machine has something to do in
the entire working of the appliance. The Generator is made up of 9 main parts;
1.
2.
3.
4.

Engine
Alternator
Fuel System
Voltage
Regulator

5.

Cooling and
Exhaust
Systems
6. Lubrication
System
7. Battery
Charger

8.

Control
Panel
9. Main
Assembly /
Frame

10.

Engine: The engine is the most important part of the

generator. It is the engine that is responsible to supply energy to
the generator. It is the power of the engine that determines the
capacity of the generator.
Alternator: This is the part that produces electrical energy
that is sent out as an output. This electrical energy is produced
by the conversion of mechanical energy given by the engine.
Fuel System: This is another important part without which
that generator will not be able to produce the energy that it may
need. It is important to make sure that there is enough fuel and
the fuel system is in the proper working condition to pass on the
fuel to the other parts.
Voltage Regulator: As the name suggests, this part is used
to regulate the voltage of the electricity that is given out as the
output. It helps in conversion from AC to DC as needed by the
appliances.
Cooling and Exhaust Systems: The heat generated by the
generator after long hours of working is treated by the cooling
system. This system cools down the parts and prevents
overheating. The Exhaust systems are used to give way to all
fumes that may be formed due to the use of diesel and oils inside
the machine.
Lubrication System: Since mechanical energy is converted
into electrical energy, it is obvious that a generator is made up of
smaller moving parts. The lubrication system manages the
machine in such a way that the parts need not be harmed. The
movement of every part is smoothened with the use of a
lubricant.

Battery Charger: The performance of a generator is usually

started using a battery. Thus, the battery has to be charged. But,
there is a device called the battery charger that automatically
charges the battery that can be used when needed.

Control Panel: This is the most important part among all the
others as it is responsible of controlling every other part that
makes a generator. The Engine Control Unit is a part of this panel
that helps in controlling the things related to the engine of the
generator. Like this unit, there are many others that can be
performed through this.

Main Assembly / Frame: This is the structure that holds

every necessary part of the generator together. It can be called
as the outer body of the generator and makes sure that the
generator is earthed to avoid serious issues.
11.
12.Thus, these parts contribute to a great extent into the working of the
entire machine. It is the working of each of these parts that helps in
getting the desired output from the generator.
13.

14.