A generator simply converts an input of a particular kind into an output of another. For example, a Twinkie generator takes in certain ingredients, no one actually knows what they are, and out comes a delicious treat. Now that we know what a Twinkie generator is, let’s move on to a power generator. A power generator is a device that turns one type of energy into electrical power. A generator is usually used when no other source of power is available. This might be the case after a storm or when you’re away from civilization and wall outlets. There are different types of power generators. A

GAS GENERATOR

starts with stinky gasoline being poured into a loud shaking machine which emits noxious fumes. Oh, and electricity. In most cases the electricity being generated is used to run things like your TV, refrigerator, lights, etc. As the name infers, gas generators need gas to run. We saw after Hurricane Sandy that the possibility of a gas shortage is likely during an emergency; leaving people with no way to power their gas generators, meaning no power in their homes.

human powered generator**? In this case, electricity is generated by movement of a human. This so called human could be on a bike, treadmill, or hamster wheel that is moving fast enough to generate power for the devices in your home. But there is no time for exercise during a disaster! Then there’s the sun. The sun is a source of energy that is available to every single thing on this planet and can be generated into electrical power. That is exactly how solar panels work! The solar panels collect the energy and convert it into power for your devices. You can store all that collected power in a battery pack or a

SOLAR POWERED GENERATOR

that can be used anywhere. A solar generator is quiet, fumeless, and can be used indoors without danger. Check out the Yeti 1250 Solar Generator here!

To sum it all up, the answer to the question ‘what is a generator’ is simple. A generator converts energy into power you can use, ingredients into a delicious treat, or chaos from a disaster into peace of mind.