Synkronigeneraattori

Synkronigeneraattori, often referred to as a synchronous generator, is an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is a type of AC generator where the rotor rotates at a speed that is synchronized with the frequency of the electrical current produced. This synchronization is a defining characteristic and is maintained by the interaction between the magnetic field of the rotor and the rotating magnetic field created by the stator windings.

The primary components of a synkronigeneraattori are the stator and the rotor. The stator houses the armature windings, which are where the alternating current is induced. The rotor, also known as the field, contains electromagnets or permanent magnets that produce a magnetic field. In most large synchronous generators, the rotor is an electromagnet fed with DC current through slip rings and brushes, or a brushless exciter system.

During operation, a prime mover, such as a turbine powered by steam, water, or wind, spins the rotor. As the rotor's magnetic field sweeps past the stator windings, it induces a voltage, and thus current, in the stator. The speed of the rotor is directly proportional to the frequency of the generated electricity. For instance, to produce electricity at a frequency of 60 Hertz, the rotor must rotate at a specific synchronous speed determined by the number of poles in the machine. This precise speed control makes synchronous generators ideal for power grid applications, where stable frequency is crucial.