AC Generator
An A.C. generator, or
alternator, is a machine that
transforms mechanical energy
into electrical energy through
electromagnetic induction. Its
operation is based on Faraday's
Law of Electromagnetic
Induction. A.C. generators are
used in power stations to
generate electricity for the grid,
provide electrical power to
vehicle systems, and charge
the battery.
.
Definition of AC Generator
An alternator/A.C. Dynamo is an
electrical machine that converts
mechanical energy into alternating
electrical energy.
Principle of AC
Generator
The operation of an AC
generator is based on
Faraday's Law of
Electromagnetic Induction. As
the coil spins within a magnetic
field, the magnetic flux through
the coil varies, generating an
.
alternating electromotive force
(EMF) in the coil.
Construction and Parts of AC
Generator
The main components of A.C Generators
are given below
1. Armature: The armature coil
(ABCD) is composed of numerous
turns of insulated copper wire
wrapped around a soft iron core.
2. Strong Field Magnets: These
consist of a powerful permanent
magnet or an electromagnet with
cylindrical poles labeled N and S,
.
used as field magnets. The armature
coil rotates between these poles. The
field magnet creates a uniform
magnetic field that is normal to the
axis of rotation of the coil.
3. Slip Rings: The two terminals of
the armature coil are attached to
brass slip rings, and, which rotate in
tandem with the armature coil.
4. Brushes: Two carbon brushes
(and) make contact with the slip
rings. While the slip rings and
armature rotate, the brushes remain
stationary. These brushes are linked
to the external load, through which
the electrical output is delivered.
DIAGRAM OF AC GENERATOR
.
.
Construction and Parts of
AC Generator
The main components of A.C Generators
are given below
1. Armature: The armature coil
(ABCD) is composed of numerous
turns of insulated copper wire
wrapped around a soft iron core.
2. Strong Field Magnets: These
consist of a powerful permanent
magnet or an electromagnet with
cylindrical poles labeled N and S,
used as field magnets. The armature
coil rotates between these poles. The
field magnet creates a uniform
magnetic field that is normal to the
axis of rotation of the coil.
3. Slip Rings: The two terminals of
the armature coil are attached to
brass slip rings, and, which rotate in
tandem with the armature coil.
.
4. Brushes: Two carbon brushes
(and) make contact with the slip
rings. While the slip rings and
armature rotate, the brushes remain
stationary. These brushes are linked
to the external load, through which
the electrical output is delivered.
Working Principle of AC
Generator
As the armature coil ABCD rotates within the
magnetic field created by the strong field
magnets, it intersects the magnetic lines of
force.
The rotation of the armature alters the
magnetic flux linked with the coil, thereby
inducing an electromotive force (EMF) within
the coil.
The direction of induced EMF or the current in
the coil is determined by the Fleming’s Right
Hand Rule.
Consider the plane of the coil to be
perpendicular to the magnetic field B. Let the
coil be rotated anticlockwise with a constant
angular velocity.
.
Angle between the normal to the coil and B at
any instant t is given by
θ= wt
Magnetic flux (ΦB) linked with the coil
having n turns is given by,
Φ=N⋅ϕ=N⋅B⋅A⋅cos (θ)
According to Faraday's Law of EMI, the induced
EMF generated in the coil is described by
, this is the expression for induced EMF produced
in the coil at any instant t
Application of AC Generator
AC generators are used in power
stations to generate electricity for the
national grid.
In automobiles, AC generators
(alternators) are employed to charge
the battery and supply power to the
vehicle's electrical systems.
.
In renewable energy systems, AC
generators are used in wind turbines
and hydroelectric power plants.
AC generators are used in locomotives
to supply power to various systems on
board the train, including lighting,
communication systems, and traction
systems.
Losses in AC Generator
1. Copper Loss: These losses are associated with I2R
loss in copper windings of armature coil.
2. Flux Leakage Loss: The useful flux is that which
effectively links between magnet and armature. In
practice, some of the flux will escape, or otherwise
fail to link properly and will constitute flux leakage
loss.
3. Iron loss: This loss takes place in soft iron core of
armature. It is of two types
Magnetic hysteresis loss in the iron core
.
Eddy current losses in the iron core.
Mechanical Loss: This loss takes place due to
friction between moving parts.
Eddy current: This current is generated in a
conductor when there is a change in the magnetic
flux associated with it. It is a group of induced
currents which are produced, when metal bodies
are placed in time varying field or they move in
external magnetic field in such a way that flux
through them changes with respect to time.
Some of the applications of eddy currents are
electromagnetic damping, induction furnace,
induction motor, electromagnetic brakes etc.
Some of the negative impacts of eddy currents
include that they oppose the relative motion,
involve loss of energy in the form of heat and
reduce the life of electrical devices.
To minimize eddy current, laminated cores are
used.
Advantage of AC Generator
over DC Generator
1. They can be easily stepped up
and stepped down through
transformers.
.
2. Losses are less compared to
D.C Machines
3. Size is comparatively smaller
than a D.C Generator
4. A.C Generators are generally
less expensive than D.C
Generators.
5. They are more reliable than
D.C Generator and also require
less maintenance.