GenSchool Shorts

GenSchool is a two-day, in-person classroom training course hosted annually by Kato Engineering / Leroy-Somer. We provide in-depth training on several topics, ranging from generator basics to more advanced electric power generation subject matter. For more information about attending a future GenSchool event please visit: GenSchool Info

Below are several short videos taken from one of our live GenSchools.

Alternating Current (AC):

Alternating Current (AC) voltage can be produced by converting mechanical energy (from a turbine or engine) into electrical energy by an AC generator.  Alternating current flows in both directions (changes polarity) in one cycle.

Basic Conductors:

A conductor is a material with atoms containing electrons that can flow from atom to atom (have low resistance).  The resistance of a conductor is inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area and directly proportional to its length.

Basic Insulators:

An insulator is a material with electrons very tightly bound to the nucleus, meaning there are no free electrons to carry an electrical charge.  Plastics, rubber and ceramics have a nearly infinite resistance which makes them great insulators.

Basic Voltage & Current:

Voltage is a potential difference created when electrons are stripped from atoms and can be considered the “pressure” forcing electrons to flow in conductors.  The rate of electron flow (Current) is measured in amperes (amps).

Direct Current (DC):

Direct Current (DC) voltage can be produced by converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy (battery).  Direct Current (DC) electrons, unlike Alternating Current (AC) electrons, only flow in one direction.

Elctromagnetism:

Current flowing in a conductor induces an electric field.  When the magnetic field is changed near a conductor, a voltage is induced.  This can be caused by relative motion of a conductor and a magnetic field, or a change in the strength of the field.

Ohm’s Law:

Ohm’s law defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. E = IR (Voltage = Current * Resistance)

Enclosures – Totally Enclosed Air-to-Air Cooled (TEAAC):

 

This totally enclosed generator is cooled by circulating internal air through a heat exchanger, which is supplied cool external air by using a shaft mounted fan or separate blowers.