Uses of generators

• In Zimbabwe there a number of Power Stations that generate electricity
• In practice most generators are AC rather than  DC generators
• At Kariba there is a Hydro Electric station
• It uses water in the Kariba Dam which has potential energy
• The water falls (kinetic energy) onto turbines
• The turbines are attached to coils which generate AC power which is transmitted to various parts of the country
• For household and industrial use
• At Hwange Thermal station steam in boilers is used to turn turbines
• These turbines also drive AC generators
• The electricity is fed into the national grid
• There are also Diesel and Petrol generators that are used by both ZESA, companies and households
• These smaller generators are quite popular during power crisis
• They are used as a backup source of power
• They are also used in remote off grid areas such as rural areas
• They are used to provide emergency power in hospitals and clinics during blackouts
• They are also used to power electrolytic plants on mines that need D.C power instead of A.C power

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.