The dynamo

The dynamo is a magnetoelectric machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

In 1869, Belgian inventor Zénobe Gramme made it possible to produce continuous current generators by inventing the collector. He filed a patent in July 1871.

He wound several coils of copper wire and distributed them around a wooden rotor. He then connected the ends of the coils to copper blades: the collector. He rotated this rotor in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Copper wires rubbed against the collector to collect the electric current.