power generating?

Question

how do power generators work? are there any designs or ways to make your own?

Answer 1

You are asking about portable generators that use a spring to provide the motive force? I saw one which is basically a portable torch and which works with a spring, and is worked by just putting it in our hand and squeezed like a soft ball. The compression doesn't produce any power but when the spring 'springs back' the coil is rotating in a magnetic field provided by a permanent magnet and electricity is produced, sufficient to light a small bulb and a little more to be stored in a capacitor so that the bulb stays lit up for some more time. A cycle dynamo is in fact a small generator that works by the rotation of a coil and the motive power is produced by a small wheel rubbing against the back wheel tyre.

There are small wind powered generators also. There are micro hydel plants that work with small streams which flow over a few feet of level difference.

I also saw small generators for telephones in remote areas. It is cranked by hand and stores the electricity in capacitors or batteries. The capacity of the generator depends upon the intended applications.

Solar based Photo Voltaic Cells are useful for small wattage applications and don't have any moving parts.

If you look for the right type and size, you will find what you need. If you specify your applications in more detail, may be I can help you or some one more knowledgeable.