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10 views3 pages

ac generator

Uploaded by

mohdrehan94071
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Construction and Working of an AC Generator

An AC Generator, also known as an alternator, is a device that converts mechanical


energy into alternating current (AC) electrical energy based on the principle of
electromagnetic induction. The construction and working of an AC generator are explained
below:

Construction of an AC Generator

An AC generator consists of the following key components:

1. Field Magnet:
a. The field magnet provides the magnetic field required for the generation of
electricity.
b. It can be either an electromagnet (commonly used in large generators) or a
permanent magnet (used in smaller generators).
2. Armature:
a. The armature is a coil of wire wound on a metallic core, typically made of
soft iron to enhance magnetic flux.
b. It is positioned within the magnetic field and is rotated mechanically.
3. Slip Rings:
a. These are two metallic rings that are mounted on the rotating shaft of the
generator.
b. The ends of the armature coil are connected to these slip rings, ensuring a
continuous connection to the external circuit.
4. Brushes:
a. Brushes are made of carbon or graphite and are in contact with the slip rings.
b. They transfer the electrical output from the slip rings to an external circuit.
5. Rotor:
a. The rotor is the rotating part of the generator and includes the armature coil.
b. It is connected to a mechanical energy source like a turbine or engine.
6. Stator:
a. The stator is the stationary part of the generator and includes the field
magnet in most configurations.
Working Principle of an AC Generator

The AC generator operates on Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, which states


that an electromotive force (EMF) is induced in a conductor when it experiences a change
in the magnetic flux.

Working of an AC Generator

1. Rotation of the Armature:


a. The armature coil is rotated within the magnetic field, either by a turbine
(powered by water, wind, or steam) or an engine.
b. As the coil rotates, it cuts through the magnetic lines of force.
2. Induction of EMF:
a. Due to the relative motion between the magnetic field and the armature coil,
a varying magnetic flux is linked with the coil.
b. According to Faraday’s law, an alternating EMF is induced in the coil.
3. Nature of the Induced Current:
a. The direction of the induced current changes periodically because the coil’s
orientation with respect to the magnetic field alternates as it rotates.
b. This alternating nature of current is represented by a sinusoidal waveform.
4. Collection of Current:
a. The slip rings, connected to the ends of the armature coil, ensure the
alternating current is delivered to the external circuit through the brushes.
b. The brushes maintain constant contact with the slip rings and transfer the
current to the load.
5. Frequency of AC Output:
a. The frequency of the generated AC depends on the speed of rotation of the
armature and the number of poles of the field magnet. It is given by:
f=P×N120f = \frac{P \times N}{120} where:
i. ff is the frequency (in Hz),
ii. PP is the number of poles,
iii. NN is the rotational speed (in RPM).
Applications of AC Generators

1. Power Plants:
a. AC generators are widely used in thermal, hydroelectric, and wind power
plants to generate electricity.
2. Industrial Applications:
a. They are used to power large machinery and industrial equipment.
3. Domestic Use:
a. Portable generators provide backup power for homes and small businesses.
4. Transportation:
a. Alternators are used in vehicles to charge batteries and supply power to
electrical systems.

Advantages of AC Generators

1. Simpler construction and lower maintenance compared to DC generators.


2. Efficient transmission of power over long distances.
3. Ability to easily transform voltage levels using transformers.

Diagram of an AC Generator

A clear labeled diagram typically includes:

• Field magnet
• Armature coil
• Slip rings
• Brushes
• External circuit connection
• Shaft and mechanical source (turbine)

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