A generator is an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. 
Generators are generally classified as below:
Synchronous generator Vs. Induction generator
The difference between Synchronous generator and Induction generator is as mentioned below:
1) Synchronous generator
- The field is excited by an external D.C excitation and the rotor is connected to prime mover.
 - The synchronous generator always operates at synchronous speed (Ns).
 - Since, the field is excited by an external D.C source, the synchronous generator can deliver both the real/true and reactive power.
 - Real power is being supplied by prime mover input and reactive power is supplied by external D.C excitation connected to the field.
 - Hence, both real and reactive supplied can be controlled.
 - Since, the reactive power can be fully controlled, the synchronous generator can be operated at all range of power factors (Lagging, Leading, Unity power factor).
 - Efficiency is good.
 - Suitable for conventional power station i.e thermal, nuclear, gas, hydro and diesel power stations.
 - Most of the power generation (nearly 80%) is by conventional power stations employing synchronous generator.
 
2) Asynchronous generator
- Since induction generator is connected to the power system, the field is excited by the reactive power taken from the grid and the rotor is connected to prime mover.
 - The induction generator always rotates at more than synchronous speed (Nr>Ns).
 - Since, the field is excited by the power system, the synchronous generator can deliver only real/true power but absorbs the reactive power.
 - Real power is being supplied by prime mover input and reactive power is absorbed from the system.
 - Since, the prime mover, in case of induction generator operates at variable speed. Hence, both real and reactive power cannot be controlled.
 - Since, the reactive power is being absorbed from power system, the induction generator operates only at leading power factor.
 - Efficiency is poor.
 - Suitable for windmills, tidal power stations etc.
 - Altogether, very less power is generated using induction generator.
 
I hope you have got some good and relevant information from this blog. 
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