Energy and Electromechanical Energy Conversion Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from the lecture on energy sources, electromechanical energy conversion, and DC generator components.

Chemical Energy

Energy that is released as the result of electron interactions, such as in dry cells, wet cells, and fuel cells.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

A solar energy conversion system that uses dye molecules, titanium dioxide ($\text{TiO}_2$), and an iodide solution between conducting plates to convert solar energy into electrical current.

Fuel Cell

An electrochemical energy device featuring porous nickel electrodes and an acidic electrolyte that processes hydrogen and oxygen inputs to generate electrical power.

Solar Energy

Light and heat energy received directly from the sun.

Wind Energy

Kinetic energy from moving air that rotates the blades of large windmills or generators to generate electricity.

Hydroelectric Energy

Electricity produced when fast-flowing water released from mountain dams turns water turbines.

Geothermal Energy

Heat energy harnessed directly from beneath the surface of the earth.

Nuclear Energy

Stored energy released as a result of particle interactions with or within an atomic nucleus.

Radioactive Decay

A nuclear process wherein an unstable radioisotope nucleus decays into a more stable configuration.

Nuclear Fission

A nuclear reaction where a heavy mass nucleus absorbs a neutron and splits into two or more nuclei while releasing energy.

Nuclear Fusion

A nuclear reaction where two light mass nuclei combine to produce a more stable configuration while releasing energy.

Electromechanical Conversion Device

A link between electrical and mechanical systems designed to convert energy from one form to another.

Generating Mode

The mode of operation in an electromechanical device where a mechanical input is converted into an electrical output.

Motoring Mode

The mode of operation in an electromechanical device where an electrical input produces a mechanical output.

Dynamo

A rotating electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy or electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Generator Action

A dynamo operational principle that involves the development of voltage.

Motor Action

A dynamo operational principle that involves the development of force or torque.

Frame (Yoke)

The outer magnetic housing of a DC machine that provides mechanical support for the poles, acts as a protective cover, and carries magnetic flux.

Pole Shoes

Structures with larger cross-sections attached to pole cores that spread out flux in the air gap, reduce magnetic reluctance, and support field coils.

Pole Coils (Field Coils)

Coils of copper wire or strip wound over pole cores to generate magnetic field flux.

Shunt Field

A type of field winding constructed using many turns of fine wire.

Series Field

A type of field winding constructed using a few turns of heavy wire.

Compound Field

A field winding arrangement that utilizes both shunt and series field windings.

Armature Core

A cylindrical lamination assembly that houses armature conductors and rotates to cut through magnetic field flux.

Armature Windings

Insulated wire coils placed in armature slots that serve as the main energy converting heart of a dynamo.

Commutator

A device that facilitates current collection from armature conductors and converts induced alternating current into unidirectional current for the external circuit.

Brushes

Stationary carbon components held in holders that collect current from the rotating commutator and transfer it to the external circuit.

Bearings

Ball bearings employed in a dynamo to ensure quiet operation and allow smooth rotation of the commutator shaft.