Energy and Electromechanical Energy Conversion Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering energy sources, principles of electromechanical energy conversion, and essential components of DC generators and dynamos based on the lecture material.

Chemical Energy

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

Solar Energy

Light and heat energy received directly from the sun.

Wind Energy

Energy produced when moving air turns the blades of large windmills or generators to create electricity.

Hydroelectric Energy

Electricity produced by fast-flowing water released from dams in mountain areas to turn water turbines.

Geothermal Energy

Energy that utilizes heat energy from beneath the surface of the earth.

Nuclear Energy

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

Radioactive Decay

A nuclear process where an unstable nucleus or radioisotope decays to a more stable configuration while emitting energy.

Nuclear Fission

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

Nuclear Fusion

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

Electromechanical Conversion Device

A device that acts as a link between electrical and mechanical systems to convert energy from one form to another.

Generating Mode

The operational state of an electromechanical device when mechanical input energy is converted into electrical output energy.

Motoring Mode

The operational state of an electromechanical device when electrical input energy is converted into mechanical output energy.

Dynamo

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

Generator Action

The principle of dynamo operation that involves the development of voltage.

Motor Action

The principle of dynamo operation that involves the development of force or torque.

Frame or Yoke

The outer frame of a generator or dynamo that provides mechanical support for the poles, serves as a protective cover, and carries the magnetic flux.

Pole Shoes

Components of field magnets that spread out flux in the air gap, reduce magnetic path reluctance due to larger cross-section, and support the field coils.

Shunt Field

A field winding construction consisting of many turns of fine wire.

Series Field

A field winding construction consisting of a few turns of heavy wire.

Compound Field

A field winding construction in which both shunt and series field windings are utilized.

Armature Core

A rotating structure in a dynamo that houses armature conductors or coils and rotates to cut the magnetic flux of the field magnets.

Armature Windings

Insulated coils wound in the armature slots, considered the heart of the dynamo.

Commutator

A component in a generator that collects current from the armature conductors and converts induced alternating current into unidirectional current for the external circuit.

Brushes

Carbon components held in stationary position by holders to collect current from the commutator and transfer it to the external circuit.

Ball Bearings

Bearings employed to allow free rotation of the commutator shaft and ensure quieter operation.

Shaft

A steel component that holds the commutator and supports the rotating parts of the dynamo.