Before electricity could be found in every home, many relied on steam. Inventors used steam to generate power in the early 19th century. Steam engines were powered by boiling water, which enabled the turbines to move and make electricity. This powered the generators during this time.
This technology was not efficient by the standards we are used to today. But what it did was power factories and, eventually, entire towns. It also gave people the hope that they would have electricity in their homes someday.
Electromagnetic Induction Changed Everything
In the latter part of the 19th century, an inventor named Michael Faraday discovered that, if you moved a magnet through water, this could create electricity. This was huge. The process is known as electromagnetic induction, and it’s still used to power generators now.
Generators that were powered by electromagnetic induction didn’t require fuel or steam to run. This made them more dependable. These machines were not as bulky, and they produced clean energy.
Gas and Diesel
As generators continued to evolve, people wanted more portable models. This is how gas and diesel generators came to be. These machines were small enough for people to use at their farms and homes. More businesses have even adopted their use, as they now provide power to firehouses, hospitals, and grocery stores.
Solar Energy
The sun is now another power source for generators. These models are great for the environment because they produce clean energy. You won’t have to worry about pollution from fumes. They also make very little noise while running. What’s even better is that these generators are compact, which makes them an appealing option for those who like to go on camping or fishing trips.
The downfall for these particular generators is that sunlight isn’t always available to charge them. However, they’re outstanding for areas where power outages are frequent or for families who desire to live off the grid. Even those who are not living off the grid are adding these solar setups to their homes to have power when the electricity goes out or to cut energy costs.
What the Future Holds
Since we’re always connected and we desire the convenience electricity brings, we can be sure that generator technology will continue to evolve. We also get to wait with anticipation to see what the future holds.
No matter the type of generator you have, you need to have a professional electrician service it at least once each year. During the visit, electricians will clean and lubricate all the moving parts, and they will test the generator to see how it’s running. If they find problems, they’ll point them out and go over your options for solutions. If you’re a resident of Phoenix, AZ and need to schedule generator services, contact our team at Ace Home Services.