AC Generators

Introduction

We are all well aware of how our lives are interconnected with gadgets
and machines. We see street lights and building lights working every
day for our convenience and comfort. They are powered by power
stations. Now we might wonder, from where do these stations
generate power in this capacity? The answer surely does not lie in the
use of humongous batteries. Instead, they are generated due to the
spinning of very large turbines. However, one may wonder, how come
the action of spinning creates electricity? The answer to this lies in the
technology of electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic induction is a
concept discovered over 200 years ago by the scientist M. Faraday.

From everyday appliances such as the electrical board in our homes

that controls the working capacities of fans, washing machines, air
conditioners, and television to big industrial machines running on
electric power that indulge in mass production of goods and
commodities, all of these runs on some form of energy conversion that
can take place only with the help of a generator.

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 What Is A Generator?

 If a wire is placed inside a magnetic field, it induces an electric current.

This forms the basic premise of a generator.
 When coils of wires are placed within the magnetic field of a giant
turbine and as the turbine starts to rotate, the coils begin to rotate
inducing an electric current that gives us electricity.
 These turbines are called electric generators that connect to machines
to provide them with electricity.
 The spinning of these turbines consequently produces electrical
energy.
 A generator, simply put, is a machine that converts mechanical energy
and chemical energy into electricity and heat. It works on a scientific
principle established by M. Faraday.
 It is called the Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction.
 Generators can be classified into two broad types. They are called:
1. AC Generators
2. DC Generators

 This classification is dependent on the production of the output.

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 Generators primarily generate electricity, however they are complex in
nature.
 Generating electricity is the main function of a Generator.
 It is essential to distinguish and understand the difference between
generators as some are better suited for residential purposes while
others for commercial purposes.

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 AC Generators

 AC Generators are also known as Alternators.

 The direction of the electrical current in an AC Generator is periodically

reversed.
 The AC generators work on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic
Induction.
 The idea is that the conductor cuts through the magnetic field lines of
the magnet, which produces a current in the conductor. This is
achieved by rotating a conducting coil in a static magnetic field or by
rotating the magnetic field. The stationary conductor is contained
within the magnetic field..
 The optimal arrangement is keeping the coil stationary as it is easier to
draw induced alternating current from a stationary armature coil. It is
to do the same with a rotating coil. This is preferred arrangement in
almost all cases
 The voltage (EMF) generated will always depend on:
1. The number of armature coil turns,
2. The strength of the magnetic field, and
3. The rotating field’s speed.

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Example: AC Generators are found in residential complexes and
homes, which need electricity to run basic appliances like fans, vacuum
cleaner, television, so on and so forth.

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 Composition of an AC Generator

 An AC Generator consists of the following components :

1. Field
2. Armature
3. Prime Mover
4. Rotor
5. Stator
6. Slip Rings

 Field is composed of the coils of conductors.. The voltage that is

received from them subsequently produces magnetic flux. The
magnetic flux cuts through the armature to produce magnetic flux. This
becomes the AC generator’s output voltage.
 Armature is a part of the AC Generator, where voltage is produced. The
armature primarily consists of coils of wire, which are big enough to
carry the full load current of the generator.
 Prime Mover could be either a combustion turbine, hydro turbine,
engine diesel, or steam turbine. Its purpose is to drive the AC
Generator.
 Rotor is the rotating part of the AC Generator that is driven by the
prime mover.
 Stator is the stationary/motionless part of the generator.
 Slip Ring is the component that conducts the flow of the current and
moves from a stationary device to a rotating one. Figure 1.a depicts the
composition of an AC Generator.

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 How Does An AC Generator Work?

 An AC Generator works on the principles of Electromagnetic Induction.

 When there is a relative motion between a coil and a magnetic, an
electric current is induced in the coil.
 The rotation of the armature between the field magnet’s poles
constantly changes its magnetic flux.
 As a result, an EMF/voltage is induced in the armature.
 Consequently, an electric current is produced through armature & load
(galvanometer) and through the slip rings and the brushes.
 Notice then, that the needle of the galvanometer, also known as load
swings between the negative and positive values.
 This means that an Alternating Current is flowing through the
galvanometer/load.
 The induced electric current’s direction will follow Fleming's Right
Hand Rule.
 According to Fleming’s Right Hand Rule, we must hold our thumb, the
forefinger, and the middle finger as if they were perpendicular to each
other.
 The thumb represents the direction of the motion of the wire.
 The forefinger represents the direction of the magnetic field.
 Lastly, the middle finger represents the direction of the current.

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 One needs to ensure to align the thumb and the forefinger in the
direction of the motion of the wire and magnetic field respectively.
Consequently, we will be able to understand the direction of the
induced electric current.
 The graph below depicting the time and the EMF/voltage generated by
an AC Generator is Sinusoidal. This is represented in the figure 1.b.

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 Advantages of an AC Generator

 AC Generators are simpler to construct.

 They have a higher efficiency when compared to DC Generators.
 They are cost effective.
 They are known to last longer than DC Generators.
 Voltage derived from AC Generators is easily distributed within
transformers.
 AC Generators distribute voltage over long distances.
 They have lower maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of an AC Generator

 Better insulation is required if peak voltages are produced.

 The shock produced by an AC Generator is attractive while DC

Generator shock is repulsive.

 AC Generators tend to spark or overheat due to high currents.

 This poses a challenge when it comes to handling because of the
greater voltages needed to supply a fixed level of power.
 In these systems require additional insulation because of the
greater voltages needed to supply a fixed level of power.

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Conclusion

If we were to go back in time, we must know that the Serbian American

scientist Nikola Tesla was responsible for many breakthroughs in the
field of science and technology in his lifetime (1856-1943). He was the
first man to invent an AC motor, thus paving the way for the AC
generation and a new way to transmit technology. Generators form an
integral part of the modern world. They give us the power to run
appliances ranging from the most basic to the most complex ones. For
instance, imagine how terribly hot it would get in if we did not have any
access to electricity to operate fans and air conditioners, summers
would be unbearable!
In the field of mechanical engineering, generators form one of the basic
concepts of study. Hence, it is imperative to fine tune our
understanding of the basics in order to comprehend the basics of
mechanical engineering and excel in the field. As electricity forms an
imperative and indispensable part of our everyday life, it is necessary
for us to understand the source from which electricity is derived.

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