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Motor–generator facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Synchronous motor-generator set for AC to DC conversion (Rankin Kennedy, Electrical Installations, Vol II, 1909)
Motor-generator set for AC to DC conversion

A motor–generator is a device for converting electrical power to another form. Motor–generator sets are used to convert frequency, voltage, or phase of power. They may also be used to isolate electrical loads from the electrical power supply line. Large motor–generators were widely used to convert industrial amounts of power while smaller motor–generators were used to convert battery power to higher voltages.

Nowadays, motor–generators have largely been replaced by semiconductor devices. Examples include rectifiers for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and inverters for converting DC to AC.

Images for kids

  • Umformer

    Aircraft radio modulator unit from the Second World War, showing a dynamotor (the black cylinder) which converts the aircraft's 24–28 V DC to 500 V DC for the transmitter. Dübendorf Museum of Military Aviation

  • Large-mg-set

    An MG set used to provide a variable three phase AC voltage for an Electron Beam Welding Machine high voltage power supply.

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