The principle used to generate electricity came into existence during the late 1820 and the early years of 1830. The principle was discovered by Michael Faraday. The basic method that he invented is still used today. His principle stated that electricity is generated when there is a movement of a loop wire or copper disc between magnet poles.
Electricity is generated by a generator which is known as an electromechanical generator. The generator is driven by engines which work with the help of fuels and nuclear fission. The kinetic energy generated by flowing water or wind is also used for driving these generators.
There are seven different ways in which electricity can be generated. They are as follows:
1. Static electricity: When the charges are separated physically. Examples: Lighting, triboelectric effect.
2. Electromagnetic induction: When the kinetic energy is transformed into the electricity using an electrical generator.
3. Electrochemistry: In this the chemical energy is directly transformed into electricity. For example in case of a battery.
4. Photoelectric effect: The light is transformed into electrical energy. For example solar energy.
5. Thermoelectric effect: When the temperature differences are directly converted into electricity, for example in case of a thermocouple.
6. Piezoelectric effect: Using the mechanical strain of electrical anisotropic crystals.
7. Nuclear transformation: When nuclear energy gets transferred into normal electricity for consumption.
Electricity is an important part of every body’s life. Life would be very difficult without electricity. We should be grateful to the inventor Mr. Michael Faraday who invented electricity. Due to his invention we can live in world brought alive by electricity. For the electricity to be used the first process is to deliver it to the consumers. This process of distribution is done by the power industry.
