Creative Science Centre: 6 Generators

Apart from the piezo generator, all of these generators are based on the same simple design, where magnets are rotated near to coils of wire (Faraday Induction). There is no coil switching so these are AC generators. On magnet movement, voltages are induced (generated) into the coils of wire. As these generators have no moving contacts they are very simple, rugged, and will work over a very wide range of temperatures. They can be made completely waterproof and will work when immersed in water. As they have no ferro-magnetic components (except the magnets), they are less efficient than other designs, but are much easier to turn.