INDEX

 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS REQUIRED
 PRINCIPLE
 CONSTRUCTION
 WORKING
 USES OF AC GENERATOR
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 INTRODUCTION
AC generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy. The AC Generator’s input supply is mechanical
energy supplied by steam turbines, gas turbines and combustion
engines. The output is alternating electrical power in the form of
alternating voltage and current.
AC generators work on the principle of Faraday’s law of
electromagnetic induction, which states that electromotive force –
EMF or voltage – is generated in a current-carrying conductor that
cuts a uniform magnetic field. This can either be achieved by rotating
a conducting coil in a static magnetic field or rotating the magnetic
field containing the stationary conductor. The preferred
arrangement is to keep the coil stationary because it is easier to
draw induced alternating current from a stationary armature coil
than from a rotating coil.
The generated EMF depends on the number of armature coil turns,
magnetic field strength, and the speed of the rotating field.

Types of generators

The generators can be classified into two types:

1. AC generator
2. DC generator
 MATERIALS REQUIRED
1. Copper wire
2. Plastic bobblin
3. Ring magnet
4. LED
5. DPDT switch
6. Connecting wires
 PRINCIPLE
The AC generator works on the principle of Faraday's law of
electromagnetic induction. The armature in the AC generator rotates
between the poles of the magnet upon the axis perpendicular to the
magnetic field. The flux linkage of the armature changes continuously.
This results in a magnetic effect of electric current flowing through the
galvanometer. Slip rings and brushes. There is movement in the
galvanometer’s needle. This indicates the flow of an alternating current
through the galvanometer. By using Fleming’s Right-Hand Rule, we can
find the direction of the induced current.
 CONSTRUCTION
The various parts of an AC generator are:

 Magnetic Field
 Armature

 Prime Mover

 Rotor

 Stator

 Slip Rings

The following are the functions of each of these components of an AC

generator.

Magnetic 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 fro
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.
 WORKING

An electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The

principle of working of an electric generator is that when a loop is moved in a
magnetic field, an electric current is induced in the coil. It generates electricity
by rotating a coil in a magnetic field. The following figure shows a simple AC
generator.

MNST →Rectangular coil

A and B → Brushes
C and D → Two slip rings
X → Axle, G → Galvanometer

If axle X is rotated clockwise, then the length MN moves upwards while length
ST moves downwards. Since the lengths MN and ST are moving in a magnetic
field, a current will be induced in both of them due to electromagnetic
induction. Length MN is moving upwards and the magnetic field acts from left
to right. Hence, according to Fleming’s right-hand rule, the direction of induced
current will be from M to N. Similarly, the direction of induced current in the
length ST will be from S to T. The direction of the current in the coil is MNST.
Hence, the galvanometer shows a deflection in a particular direction. After half
a rotation, length MN starts moving down whereas length ST starts moving
upward. The direction of the induced current in the coil gets reversed as TSNM.
As the direction of current gets reversed after each half rotation, the produced
current is called an alternating current (AC). Brushes are used to maintain
contact between rotating rings and the circuit.
If N is the number of turns in coil, A the area of coil and B the magnetic
induction , then flux ϕ linked with the coil is given by
ϕ=B.A
ϕ=B.A cos ω t
The e.m.f induced in the coil is given by
e=−Ndϕdt
e=−Nddt(BA cos ωt)
e=+NBAω sin ωt
e=e°sin ωt (Where e°=NABω)

Current is maximum when θ=90°, the plane of loop is parallel to magnetic field.

Current is minimum when θ=180°, the plane of loop is again perpendicular to

magnetic field.

Current is maximum (negative) when θ=270°, the plane of loop is parallel to

magnetic field. i.e. direction of current reverse.

Current is minimum when θ=360°, the plane of loop is perpendicular to magnetic

field.

It should be noted that the current increases twice in a cycle but in opposite
direction. The current and e.m.f changes smoothly from zero to maximum value and
back to zero during each half turn of the loop.
 USES OF AC GENERATOR
AC generators are widely used and have various applications. The applications
of AC generators are listed below:

o Diesel-electric locomotive alternators – Locomotives need electric and

mechanical power simultaneously, and this power is provided by AC
generators
o Marine alternators – These alternators are used for generating power in
marine equipment.
o Brushless alternators –These alternators are the main source of power
in electrical power plants.
o Automotive alternators – Automobiles use generators for electric
power. This electric power in the vehicles and charging battery is
generated in AC generators.
o Radio alternators – These are used for transmission of radio frequency in
low bands.
BIBLIOGRAPHY