Generators are electrical machines that convert mechanical drive energy into electrical energy. They differ in terms of design (synchronous, asynchronous), power rating and area of application.
Common types include synchronous generators (standard for power supply and emergency power), asynchronous generators (frequently used in wind turbines), permanent magnet generators, brushless generators and three-phase generators for industrial and mobile power units.
Leading manufacturers include Caterpillar, Cummins, Stamford, Mecc Alte, Leroy-Somer, Marathon, Siemens, ABB, WEG and Newage.
Generators are used in power generation (power stations, CHP plants), in mobile power generation units, in wind turbines, in hydroelectric power stations, in emergency power systems, on ships, and in industrial drive systems with energy recovery.