Synchronous Generator (Alternator) – Bullet Points
1. Introduction
A synchronous generator (alternator) converts mechanical energy → electrical energy
(AC)
Used in almost all power plants: hydro, thermal, nuclear
Produces three-phase alternating current, which is standard for power systems
Called synchronous because:
o Rotor rotates at synchronous speed
o Speed is directly related to frequency of generated voltage
Synchronous speed remains constant for a given frequency
2. Main Parts of Construction
Two major parts:
o Stator (stationary part)
o Rotor (rotating part)
3. Stator (Stationary Part)
Outer body of the machine
Made of steel frame + laminated iron core
o Laminations reduce eddy current losses
Contains slots on inner surface
Slots carry armature windings
Windings are:
o Usually three-phase
o Placed 120° apart
Function:
o Where voltage is induced
o Supplies power to external load
4. Rotor (Rotating Part)
Placed inside the stator
Carries field winding
Supplied with DC current
o Through slip rings and brushes or brushless system
Function:
o Produces magnetic field
Types of Rotor
(a) Salient Pole Rotor
Poles project outward
Used in low-speed machines (hydro plants)
Large diameter, short length
(b) Non-Salient Pole (Cylindrical Rotor)
Smooth cylindrical shape
Used in high-speed machines (steam turbines)
Small diameter, long length
5. Working Principle
Based on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction
o EMF induced when conductor cuts magnetic flux
Step-by-step Working
1. DC current supplied to rotor → creates magnetic field
2. Rotor rotated by prime mover (turbine)
3. Magnetic field rotates with rotor
4. Rotating magnetic field cuts stator conductors
5. EMF induced in stator windings
6. Output obtained as three-phase AC voltage
6. Frequency Relation
Frequency depends on:
o Rotor speed (N)
o Number of poles (P)
Formula:
f = (P × N) / 120
To maintain constant frequency (e.g., 50 Hz):
o Rotor must rotate at constant synchronous speed
7. Excitation System
Provides DC supply to rotor field winding
Methods:
o Slip rings and brushes
o Brushless excitation system
Function:
o Controls output voltage
More field current → higher voltage
Less field current → lower voltage
8. Applications
Used in:
o Hydroelectric power plants
o Thermal power plants
o Nuclear power plants
o Diesel generators
o Wind energy systems (in some cases)
9. Conclusion
Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction
Consists of stator and rotor
Operates at constant synchronous speed
Highly efficient and widely used in power generation
How to Use These Bullets (Important)
Don’t read them like a list ❌
Expand each point into 2–3 lines while speaking ✅
Follow this flow:
Intro → Construction → Rotor types → Working → Formula → Excitation →
Applications → Conclusion