I came across several discussions that made in past but I didn’t get the real question in my mind. When we run a voltage generator (dynamo, fuel generator, etc.) it produces voltages. If there is a load connected to the generator’s output, it will start to pull currents. If there is no load connected to the output, it will still produce voltage but there is no current that will flow through the output … So; zero times current and 220 times volt is equal to zero power… I am okay with that until here…
Here is my question is:
Is this situation harmful to the generator? what happens if we continue to run the generator with no load? Does it burn himself due to increasing inside temperature due to inside consumption such as friction, ventilation, etc. ? Is it dangerous to run a generator with no load? I also wondering this question with other generators such as solar cells…
So my point of the question is: what happens to the source if we don’t consume the generated electricity from the source?
In: Physics
Basically, nothing. It is under very low load and just happily spins until someone wants load again.
For generators that can’t control their power source (wind turbines, etc.) you need a way to close off their energy input so they don’t overspend under no load. Wind turbines feather (tilt) their blades.
Generators with a controllable power source, like a hydro dam or a gas plant, will reduce input (close a valve) to prevent the generator from overspending under low load.
Latest Answers