Motor and generator
What happens if you use mechanical vs electrical energy? Try to start the motor and generator with both electricity and crank.
What do we see on the stand?
On this stand, we can see two of the most important components of an electrical grid – the one’s that convert energy. A generator converts mechanical energy, or movement, into electrical energy, or voltage and current. A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. On the stand, you can see a motor and a generator – notice how alike they look. In one, we put in electricity, while from the other we get electricity. Using the crank, you can run the generator to make the lamps light up. By pressing the buttons, you can make the motor rotate.
What is Uppsala University doing in this field?
At the Department of Electrical Engineering, we conduct research into electricity, solid-state electronics, and signals and systems. At the Division of Electricity, we study how to convert the power of nature – such as the waves or wind – into electricity, all the way from generation to transmission to our homes and industries. At the Division of Solid-State Electronics, we develop technical solutions from individual devices such as sensors to small systems, for use in fields such as medicine and biology. At the Division of Signals and Systems, we conduct research into signal processing, control systems and wireless communication.
How does this benefit society?
Modern society faces major challenges but, at the same time, enormous opportunities. Our major challenges right now include how to reduce human impact on nature and the environment. Over recent decades, we have made great technological progress that allows us to communicate and live our lives in entirely new ways. Industries, computers, vehicles and medical technology all require electricity. We need to adapt our society to supply us with this energy. We have new opportunities to develop and use technology to help people to live better, longer and more secure lives; we can build smaller electronics, transmit larger amounts of data through the air and examine our bodies with greater precision.