Difference between Motor and Generator
The main difference between Motor and Generator is that they operate opposite. Motor changes electrical energy to mechanical energy whereas Generator changes mechanical energy to electrical energy. Other differences come from construction and their use cases.
These particular differences between motor and generator based on their construction and use cases are listed below in the table for easy comparison and understanding.
|
Point of Difference |
Motor |
Generator |
|---|---|---|
|
Energy conversion |
Motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. |
Generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. |
|
Examples |
Example of generator is all major household appliances which work on electricity including cars, washing machine, fan etc. |
Example of generator is the power plants that produces electricity which is later used as backups and in remote areas. |
|
Electricity |
It uses electricity generated by a generator. |
It generates electricity. |
|
Rotational Speed |
Motors causes rotation, this rotation can be controlled by the supply of current input according to needs. |
Generators can be controlled by the external rotational speed applied as input. |
|
Input applied |
Input of Motor is Alternating Current or Direct Current. |
Input of Generator is generally mechanical energy using wind turbine, water energy applied to Generator’s rotor. |
|
Application |
Used in various applications like fans, pumps, vehicles, industrial machines, etc. |
used in Power generation in power plants, turbines, wind turbines, etc. |
|
Direction |
Works unidirectionally: converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. |
works bidirectionally, and can operate as a motor when supplied with electrical power. |
Also, Check
Difference Between Motor and Generator
The major difference between a motor and a generator is that a motor electrical energy to mechanical energy whereas a generator convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. Both motors and generators operate through electromagnetic induction, which occurs when a changing magnetic field induces a voltage.
This article provides the difference between motor and generator, along with their definition and working.