COURSE CODE / TMEC 3-1

DC AND AC MACHINERY

REPORT NO. 3
AC GENERATOR

Submitted by:
CESMA, CRISDELL KIERBY L.
BSME Student

Submitted to:

Engr. CRIS DARRYL S. ZARA

An AC generator is a machinery that produces electrical energy from mechanical energy. Mechanical energy from
combustion engines, gas turbines, and steam turbines powers the AC generator. Alternating electrical power in the form
of alternating voltage and current is the output.

Uses of AC Generator

AC generators are widely used and have various applications. The applications of AC generators are listed below:

Diesel - electric locomotive alternators – Locomotives need electric and mechanical power simultaneously, and this
power is provided by AC generators

Marine alternators – These alternators are used for generating power in marine equipment.

Brushless alternators – These alternators are the main source of power in electrical power plants.

Automotive alternators – Automobiles use generators for electric power. This electric power in the vehicles and charging
battery is generated in AC generators.

Radio alternators – These are used for transmission of radio frequency in low bands.
Importance of AC Generator

The alternating current (AC) that powers most electronic devices and contemporary electrical grids is provided by an AC
generator, making it essential. One of the main advantages of AC over direct current (DC) is its ability to be transmitted
over long distances with little loss thanks to transformers' efficient stepping up and down of voltage.

Effective long-distance power transmission: The alternating current that is sent over power lines is generated by AC
generators. Transformers greatly minimize energy loss by simply and effectively increasing the voltage for long-distance
transmission. The voltage is stepped back down to a level that is safe for consumer use at the final destination.

Wide-ranging uses: AC generators are the foundation of contemporary electricity, used in everything from massive
power plants to small-scale backup setups. It powers the electrical system and charge the battery in cars, and they are
also utilized in wind turbines, hydropower, diesel-electric locomotives, and marine equipment.

Increased dependability and efficiency: In general, AC generators are more reliable and efficient than their DC
counterparts. They have fewer moving parts and are therefore more dependable and less susceptible to wear and tear
because they do not require a complicated, high-maintenance commutator.

Parts of AC Generator

Field

The field consists of coils of conductors that receive a voltage from the source and produce magnetic flux. The magnetic
flux in the field cuts the armature to produce a voltage. This voltage is the output voltage of the AC generator.

Armature

The part of an AC generator in which the voltage is produced is known as an armature. This component primarily
consists of coils of wire that are large enough to carry the full-load current of the generator.

Prime Mover

The component used to drive the AC generator is known as a prime mover. The prime mover could either be a diesel
engine, a steam turbine, or a motor.

Rotor

The rotating component of the generator is known as a rotor. The generator’s prime mover drive the rotor.

Stator

The stator is the stationary part of an AC generator. The stator core comprises a lamination of steel alloys or magnetic
iron to minimise the eddy current losses.

Slip Rings

Slip rings are electrical connections used to transfer power to and from the rotor of an AC generator. They are typically
designed to conduct the flow of current from a stationary device to a rotating one

How It Works (The Process)

An AC generator works by using mechanical energy from a source, such as a turbine, to rotate the armature coil inside a
magnetic field. As the coil spins, the magnetic flux passing through it continuously changes, and by Faraday’s law of
electromagnetic induction, this variation induces an electromotive force (EMF) across the coil. The induced EMF
produces an electric current, which alternates direction with every half rotation of the coil due to the reversal of its
motion relative to the magnetic field—explained by Fleming’s right-hand rule. Finally, slip rings and carbon brushes
transfer this alternating current smoothly to the external circuit without tangling wires.

Types of AC Generator

Single-Phase AC Generator– A single-phase AC generator is an electric machine that converts mechanical power into 1-
phase electric power alternating current by the process of electromagnetic induction.

Three-Phase AC Generator– A three-phase AC generator is an electrical machine that converts mechanical power into
three-phase power alternating current by the process of electromagnetic induction.

Applications of AC Generator

- AC generators are used as a power source in major power stations like wind turbines, and hydropower plants where
they convert mechanical energy of rotation into electrical energy. Therefore, AC generators forms an integral part in
energy conversion and are used widely in power plants.

- After the generation of electricity, AC generators are also used in transmission lines for transmitting power over long
distances. This power is supplied from power plants to various cities, industries, and other institutes. the ability of
transformers to step up or step down is used for transferring the electricity over large distances with minimum loss.

- AC generators are used as a backup source in different industries that work on electricity. In case of power outrage, AC
generators can be used temporarily for generating electricity. This is important for factories that are largely dependent
on electricity for all the basic operations like manufacturing, designing etc.

- Since AC generators allow direct control over the generation of electricity, they are often used in research and
development purposes where scientists require stable and controlled power for testing. Here, AC generator generates
just the right amount of power which is necessary to drive the components and perform the analysis.

- In certain areas where the main source of power is unavailable, AC generators are used to provide power to operate
the lighting, sound systems, stages, and other equipment in any event. This can be any entertainment event like parties,
functions or inaugurations.

Losses in AC Generator

Hysteresis Losses

When a magnetic field acts on iron cores in an AC generator, hysteresis losses take place. Depending on the strength of
the field, the magnetic domains of the cores are held in alignment with it in different numbers. Every time the rotor
rotates, the magnetic domains make one full rotation with regard to the domains that are not held in alignment. Friction
and heat are produced by the iron's magnetic domains rotating. Magnetic hysteresis loss is the term used to describe
the heat generated by this friction.

Mechanical Losses

Bearing friction, brush friction on the commutator, and air friction (also known as windage), which results from air
turbulence brought on by armature rotation, can all result in rotational or mechanical losses. Reducing bearing friction
can be achieved through careful maintenance.