Ac & Dc Generators

970 Words4 Pages
Both AC and DC generators have their advantages and disadvantages which allow each of them to have their best suited uses. The main differences between the two types of generators are the types of commutators used, where and how the currents are induced and the voltage output of both types of generators. DC generators use split ring commutators and DC generators use slip ring commutators. The split ring commutators have a number of metal bars that are narrowly separated with insulating material. The brushes constantly scrape against the ‘leading edge’ of the next metal bar as it spins. This causes the metal to wear out which reduces the generators efficiency. However the slip ring commutators in AC generators take a longer time to wear out as they are continuously in contact with the brushes so there is no edge to cause additional friction. Because of the difference in both types of commutators, the AC generators require less maintenance and are more reliable than DC generators. Therefore most commercial generators are AC generators. The way the currents are induced and where they are induced in both types of generators is also different. In DC generators the current is induced in the rotor coils. It flows from the commutator to the circuit through the brushes. Larger currents need larger coils which put more pressure on the bearings and structure. The larger the current is, the larger the chance is to form electric arcs in the gaps between the metal bars which reduces the generators efficiency. Therefore DC generators are limited to be used in low current applications. AC generators however, the current is induced in the stator rather than the rotor. The rotor creates a field that induces the current in the stator as the rotor is rotating. Therefore current is a lot easier to draw from the stator in AC generators rather than the moving rotor in DC generators. This
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