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Electric Generators: Alternating Current (A/C) and Direct Current (D/C)

There are two types of electric generators: alternating current (AC) generators and direct current (DC) generators. Both work on the principle of electromagnetic induction and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. AC generators produce electrical current that constantly switches directions, while DC generators produce current that flows in only one direction. Whether an AC or DC generator is better depends on the application, as AC generators allow voltage conversion with transformers and send power at high voltage to reduce losses, while DC generators may be more efficient for small systems and powering DC appliances without an inverter.

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Eduardo Toledo
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36 views15 pages

Electric Generators: Alternating Current (A/C) and Direct Current (D/C)

There are two types of electric generators: alternating current (AC) generators and direct current (DC) generators. Both work on the principle of electromagnetic induction and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. AC generators produce electrical current that constantly switches directions, while DC generators produce current that flows in only one direction. Whether an AC or DC generator is better depends on the application, as AC generators allow voltage conversion with transformers and send power at high voltage to reduce losses, while DC generators may be more efficient for small systems and powering DC appliances without an inverter.

Uploaded by

Eduardo Toledo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Electric Generators: Alternating

Current (A/C) and


Direct Current (D/C)

Electric Generators What Are They


- Electric generators are devices that convert
mechanical energy into electric energy. There
are two types of electric generators:
alternating current (A/C) generators and direct
current (D/C) generators. Both types work
under the principle of electromagnetic
induction.

Uses
There are many uses for electric generators,
such as to supply power where power is not
available, power up house appliances, back up
essential electrical systems, provide an
uninterrupted power supply for medical
surgeries, and sometimes even as a
permanent source of electricity

How Do They Work


The modern-day generator works on the
principle of electromagnetic induction
discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831. He
discovered that the flow of electric charges
could be induced by moving an electrical
conductor, such as a wire that contains
electric charges, in a magnetic field. This
movement creates a voltage difference
between the two ends of the wire or electrical
conductor, which in turn causes the electric
charges to flow, generating electric current.

Generators x Motors
Electric motors and generators work under the
same laws and concepts. However, they are
the opposite of each other. Electric motors
convert electrical energy into mechanical
energy, while electric generators convert
mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Faradays and Lenzs Laws


Numerically, the instantaneous value of the
resulting voltage (or electromotive force) in
the generator is equal to the minus of the rate
of change of magnetic flux times the
number of turns in the coil over the change in
time: V=N/t (Faradays Law). The minus
sign in the equation is due to Lenz Law. It
states that the direction of the emf is such
that the magnetic field from the induced
current opposes the change in the flux which
produces this emf.

DC and AC Generators
There are two types of electric generators, direct
current (DC) and alternating current (AC). A DC
generator produces an electrical current that
flows in only one direction, explaining the term
"direct current." The current produced by an AC
generator, also called an alternator, constantly
switches directions.

DC Generator
Each terminal of a DC generator's coil connects
to a different segment of the commutator,
which is a two-segmented metal ring. As the
coil spins, so does the commutator, which
transmits the electrical current to two graphite
connectors called brushes. Each brush touches
a different segment of the commutator every
half rotation of the coil, keeping the polarity of
the electrical current positive and the current
flowing in the same direction.

AC Generator
Instead of a two-segmented commutator, an AC
generator has two metal slip rings which spin
with the coil. Each terminal of the coil connects
to a different slip ring. However, unlike a
commutator, each slip ring transmits electrical
current to just one brush, rather than a different
brush every half rotation. A slip ring's polarity
changes when the coil turns from one pole of the
generator's magnet to the other, causing the
electrical current to reverse directions.

AC or DC Generator? Which one


works better?

Advantages of using an AC Generator


- A/C generators have the advantage of allowing
you to convert the current to a different voltage
using a transformer. Transformers work with A/C
only.
- A/C generators send current at a high voltage and
low current level, which means much less power
loss than D/C.
- A/C generators require less maintenance than D/C
generators.

Advantages of using a DC Generator


- D/C generators often do not require an inverter, which
reduces the cost and difficulty of running the current.
However, this is only the case with regard to powering a
small system. Running all the electricity in a system like a
whole house would be complex and costly.
- D/C generators are energy and cost efficient as long as
you use it correctly. It is also a very efficient way to power
electrical appliances that are made to run on a DC current
- D/C generators have a low acoustic noise compared to
A/C generators

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