Working Model of an AC Generator Using Electromagnetic Induction

i) Aim

To construct a simple AC generator using rotating permanent magnets and stationary coils, and to study the
principle of electromagnetic induction.

ii) Introduction

An AC generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of alternating
current (AC). It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction discovered by Michael Faraday. According
to this principle, whenever there is a change in the magnetic flux linked with a conductor, an electromotive
force (EMF) is induced in it.

AC generators are widely used in power stations, wind turbines and hydroelectric plants for the production of
electricity. In this project, a rotating ferrite ring magnet is used to create a changing magnetic field around
stationary copper coils. Due to this changing magnetic field, an electric current is induced in the coils. This
project demonstrates the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy using the principle of
electromagnetic induction.

iii) Materials Required

• DC motor

• ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)

• One ferrite ring magnet

• Copper wire

• Gear

• Adhesive/glue

• Connecting wires

• LED

• Battery (power supply for the motor)

• Wooden base

iv) Theory

1. Fundamentals of Alternating Current

Alternating Current (AC) is an electric current whose magnitude and direction change periodically with time.
Unlike Direct Current (DC), which flows only in one direction, AC continuously reverses its direction. AC is
commonly used in homes, industries and electrical power systems because it can be transmitted efficiently
over long distances. AC generators are devices that produce alternating current by converting mechanical
energy into electrical energy.

2. Magnetic Field and Movement of Electrons

A magnet produces an invisible region around it called a magnetic field. Magnetic field lines emerge from the
north pole and enter the south pole of a magnet. When a conductor such as a copper coil is placed in a
changing magnetic field, the free electrons present inside the conductor begin to move. This movement of
electrons produces electric current. If the magnetic field changes continuously, the direction of electron
movement also changes continuously, thereby producing alternating current.

3. Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction

The working principle of an AC generator is based on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction discovered by
Michael Faraday. According to this law, whenever the magnetic flux linked with a conductor changes, an
electromotive force is induced in it.
𝑑Φ𝐵
ℰ=−
𝑑𝑡

Where:

• ℰ= Induced EMF

• Φ𝐵 = Magnetic Flux

• 𝑡= Time

The negative sign in the equation represents Lenz’s Law, which states that the induced current opposes the
change causing it. The induced EMF increases when the magnetic field becomes stronger or when the speed of
change of magnetic flux increases.

4. Working of the AC Generator Model

In this project, a ferrite ring magnet is attached to the shaft of a DC motor. When electrical power is supplied to
the motor, the motor shaft rotates continuously, causing the ferrite ring magnet to rotate along the same axis.
Two stationary copper coils (28 AWG, 150 turns, radius 3.1 cm, placed approximately 1.5 cm to 2 cm away from
the magnet on either side) are positioned near the rotating magnet.

As the magnet rotates, the magnetic field around the coils changes continuously, resulting in a continuous
change in magnetic flux linked with the coils. According to Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction, this
changing magnetic flux induces an electromotive force in the coils. Since the magnetic field changes
periodically during rotation, the direction of the induced current also changes periodically, thereby producing
alternating current.

The induced current generated in the coils is sufficient to light an LED, thereby demonstrating the successful
conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.

v) Procedure

1. Mount the DC motor vertically on a wooden base with the shaft facing upward.

2. Attach a gear securely to the motor shaft.

3. Fix the ferrite ring magnet onto the gear using strong adhesive so that it rotates along with the motor
shaft.

4. Wind insulated copper wire to prepare two stationary coils and place them on opposite sides of the
rotating ring magnet.
 5. Ensure that the coils are positioned very close to the magnet without touching it.

6. Connect the terminals of the coils to an LED using connecting wires.

7. Supply power to the DC motor using a battery as a power supply.

8. Observe the rotation of the ferrite ring magnet and the voltage/current induced in the coils.

vi) Observation

• The ferrite ring magnet rotated smoothly along with the motor shaft.

• A changing magnetic field was produced around the stationary copper coils due to the rotation of the
magnet.

• An induced voltage was observed in the coils when the motor was switched on.

• The LED glowed faintly, confirming the generation of AC current.

• The induced voltage increased when the speed of rotation of the motor increased.

• The experiment successfully demonstrated electromagnetic induction and the conversion of

mechanical energy into electrical energy.

vii) Calculation

The induced EMF can be calculated using Faraday’s Law:

Where:

• 𝐸= Induced EMF

• 𝑁= Number of turns in the coil

• Φ𝐵 = Magnetic Flux

• 𝑡= Time.

viii) Conclusion

The project successfully demonstrates the working principle of an AC generator using electromagnetic
induction. A rotating ferrite ring magnet produces a changing magnetic field around stationary coils, inducing
an alternating current. Thus, mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy.

ix) Bibliography
1. NCERT Physics Textbook – Class XII

2. S. L. Arora Physics – Class XII by S. L. Arora

3. [Link]

4. [Link]

5. Educational videos and reference material on electromagnetic induction ([Link])