9/10/2014 HowStuffWorks "How to Build an Electric Generator"

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How to Build an Electric Generator
by HowStuffWorks.com Contributors
Home / Tech / Electronics / Solid State Electronics
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We aren't going to build an electric generator to provide your house with electricity. Rather, we'll build a small experimental generator. The same principles apply for
a large and small generator.
Electric generators can be called energy converters, as they convert heat energy or kinetic energy (energy from motion) into electrical energy. The theory behind an
electric generator is that the variation of a magnetic field produces an electric current through a wire loop. It's fairly easy to build an electric generator. Just follow
these instructions.
1. Decide what source of energy you want to convert to electricity. You can use anything that has a rotating axle, such as a
stationary bicycle.
2. Coil a length of wire to form a fairly large loop, making sure the two ends of the wire are accessible. The more coils you
make, the more electricity you'll produce.
3. Connect the wire loop to your energy source, e.g. the bicycle axle. Make sure the loop is supported well and is not in the
way of any moving parts from your energy source (such as the pedals, if you're using a bike).
4. Place strong magnets around the loop so the loop can rotate freely between them. You want to arrange the magnets to
maximize the field strength. You can do this by making the south pole of one magnet face the north pole of another
magnet.
5. Attach your energy source (e.g. the bike axle) to a large battery.
6. Activate your energy source (e.g. sit on the bike and begin pedaling).
7. You've just produced electricity. [sources: Powerful, Science Project]
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11 comments
Duane Upson Mt. Pleasant High School
I have a electric generator, the pull cord starts and runs fairly well, but the generator stopped
producing the 110 current it has always produced. Please give me some feedback to rectify this
problem
Reply Like April 1 at 1:43pm
Shirley Jellison Sacramento, California
Why do you attach a battery if you are producing electricity from the motion of the bike?
Reply Like June 1, 2013 at 4:49pm
Pedro Gross Top Commenter Miami High School
You need to store the energy produced, the battery is the only way, then attached the
battery to the item using the electricity.
Reply Like September 2, 2013 at 7:55pm
Hervin Evinz Works at Liverpool FC 249 followers
Pedro Gross what type of battery we should use to store more energy??
Reply Like September 12, 2013 at 7:32am
Herman Zel
this is really lame.
Reply Like February 27, 2013 at 11:54am
Pedro Gross Top Commenter Miami High School
Yes it is. The explanation here is for little kids. Not really meant for someone really
wanting to built a generator.
Reply Like September 2, 2013 at 7:56pm
Simret Bayu
lesson old peoples to have good knowlege.
Reply Like January 15, 2013 at 6:47am
Eric Larteh
good
Reply Like January 15, 2013 at 10:26am
Lob San Di Maria TCV school chauntra
it is good if u show wid picture.
Reply Like October 11, 2012 at 3:50am
Muhamad Idrus IAIN Serang
not bad
Reply Like August 12, 2013 at 3:24pm