What is the purpose of laminating the poles of a generator?

Laminating the poles of a generator primarily serves to reduce eddy current losses. Eddy currents are loops of electric current that are induced within conductors by a changing magnetic field, according to Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. When conductors are thick, these currents can circulate within them, generating heat and wasting energy.

By using laminated materials, which consist of thin sheets of metal that are insulated from one another, the paths available for eddy currents are significantly disrupted. This insulation between the laminated layers restricts the flow of these currents, thereby minimizing energy losses and improving the efficiency of the generator. The result is a machine that operates more effectively, enhancing overall performance and longevity.

While increasing magnetic strength, lowering manufacturing costs, and simplifying design are important factors in generator design, they do not directly address the primary concern that laminating aims to solve—eddy current losses.