Governor Basics
Objectives
- Explain what's meant by "governing".
- Identify major governor components.
- Describe basic governor functions.
What Is Governing?
At its simplest, a governor is a control system that keeps a prime mover operating at a constant rate, even as the conditions around it change. Governors can be very simple, or incredibly sophisticated.
The Prime Mover
Every system has a prime mover, which is the component that converts energy from external sources into a form of energy appropriate for powering the system.
The diesel engine in a locomotive
The turbine in a hydro dam
The electric motor that powers a hydraulic pump
Many prime movers, like the turbine in the example above, are not directly controlled. Instead, they are regulated by controlling their fuel source. Combustion engines are throttled by adjusting their gasoline or diesel supply. Turbines are regulated by adjusting the amount of wind or water allowed to contact the rotors.
Common Energy Conversions
Drag and drop the pieces to complete some of these common energy conversions. Not all of the pieces will be used.
Chemical Energy
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy
Engine
Horsepower
Electrical Motor
Radiation
Solar Energy
Water Turbine
Wind Turbine
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical Energy
Water
(Kinetic Energy)
Wind
(Kinetic Energy)
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