what is used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy
1 A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. 2  A hydroelectric powerplant converts the mechanical energy of water in a storage dam into electrical energy. 3  An internal combustion engine is a heat engine that obtains mechanical energy from chemical energy by burning fuel. A hydroelectric powerplant converts the mechanical energy of water in a storage dam into electrical energy. 2  An internal combustion engine is a heat engine that obtains mechanical energy from chemical energy by burning fuel. 3  From this mechanical energy, the internal combustion engine often generates electricity.