DC motor and DC generator are similar from the mechanical perspective, however from a technical stand point, both differ from each other significantly. The most significant difference between DC motor and DC generator lies in the conversion mechanism. DC motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy whereas DC generator converts mechanical energy into an electrical energy. Furthermore, in DC motors, EMF in the armature is less than its terminal voltage (${{E}_{b}}<V$) whereas in DC generators, generated EMF is more than its terminal voltage (${{E}_{g}}>V$).
Difference between DC Motor and DC Generator
| Characteristics | DC Motor | DC Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Input/output | Motor has a DC Current as an input and provides mechanical output | Generator has a mechanical energy as an input and provides DC Current as an output |
| Commutation | Motor uses commutators for changing the magnetic field polarity | Generator uses the commutators in order to cancel the polarization effect |
| Electromotive force (EMF) | Emf is utilized by coil and useful for rotating the axle | EMF, produced around the coil, is transmitted to the load and used by them |
| EMF Vs Terminal Voltage | EMF in armature is less than its terminal voltage (${{E}_{b}} < V$) | Produced EMF is more than its terminal voltage (${{E}_{g}}>V$) |
| Generated EMF/Back EMF | For DC motor, back EMF is: ${{E}_{b}}=V-{{I}_{a}}{{R}_{a}}$ Whereas V is the terminal voltage, I a is the armature current, and R a is the armature resistance | For DC Generator, generated EMF is: ${{E}_{g}}=V+{{I}_{a}}{{R}_{a}}$ Whereas V is the terminal voltage, I a is the armature current, and R a is the armature resistance |
| Rule of hand (Working Principle) | It’s working principle is based on Fleming Left-hand rule | It’s working principle is based on Fleming Right-hand rule |
| Operation | If apply more power, it rotates its shaft faster which is contingent upon motor’s rating | It produces fixed voltage at a rated rpm (revolution per minute) |
| Types | Shunt and compound wound | Shunt, compound, and series wound |
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