Electrical mechanical energy can be created in one of two ways: with an electrical generator or a motor. The term electrical generator is used to describe a range of devices that convert mechanical energy into electricity. A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical, which is the opposite process to the electrical generator. The energy can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from a large electrical generating station to the motor of an electric car.
It is important to note that there is no such thing as free energy. All energy must be created from something, and must use up a resource. Some type of device is required to translate the energy from one form to another. For example, solar energy requires the use of the solar panels to capture the sun's rays and convert the heat into electrical energy. This rule applies to electrical mechanical energy as well.
An electrical generator uses electromagnetic induction to convert energy from mechanical to electrical. Mechanical energy is created by a wind turbine, hand crank, or turbine steam engine. The generator is designed to absorb the energy as it is created by the mechanical fixture. The mechanical energy moves the turbine blades, typically against the direction of the magnetic force. This movement generates electromagnetic energy.
The motor is used to convert electrical into mechanical energy. The electrical energy is received by the motor, which then creates mechanical energy by moving the rotor. This process is the exact opposite of mechanical energy, but has many of the same elements.
Both a generator or motor have a rotor and a stator. A rotor is the actual rotating part of any alternator, generator, or motor. The stator is the stationary part that holds the rotor in place. The armature actually generates electrical current within the generator and is built into either the rotor or the stator. The magnetic field is created by a magnet mounted onto the rotor or the stator.
Electrical mechanical energy is a common source of power for large power stations and other mechanical equipment. Electrical power is in high demand, and this continual demand requires the development of new, more efficient ways of harnessing the results of electrical mechanical energy generation. High voltage energy cannot be stored, but must be available upon demand. A career in electrical or mechanical engineering is centered around the use of this energy in a variety of devises. Positions are available in electrical power generation stations, transformer stations, and related facilities.
