Power Generation/Introduction/Intro 4

For electrical energy to be succesfully generated we need an efficient arrangement of the following parts or system.

1. Prime mover:

• The part of the electrical generating sytem responsible in converting other forms of energy into rotating mechanical energy. eg a steam turbine converts heat energy into mechanical energy.

2. Alternator:

• The part of the electrical generating sytem responsible for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

These working together in a closed system are called prime mover - alternator combination.