What is the difference between dc motor and ac generator

Can you tell the difference between the types of generators available on the market and which one best fits your needs? Here is what you need to know so you can invest in the right backup power solutions for your business. In order to determine which generator you need, you should understand a few things first. For example, how do they work? What is the difference between AC and DC power? What is dc power?

Will an AC generator give you what you need? Any type of generator works by converting mechanical power into electrical power through electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic induction occurs when an electric current passes through a shifting magnetic field, which allows mechanical energy to be converted into electrical energy. This is the main way generators produce electricity. AC and DC power generators both use electromagnetic induction to generate electricity.

However, the process they use is different. An AC generator creates an alternating current that periodically reverses direction.

It states that a current or EMF Electromotive Force will be induced in a conductor if it is placed in a changing magnetic field. The AC or DC generators apply the same principle to generate electric current. However, there are two ways to vary the magnetic field acting on the conductors. Either rotate the magnetic field around a stationary conductor or spin the conductor inside a stationary magnetic field. The alternator uses the idea of a rotating magnetic field around a stationary magnetic field but we are not discussing it in this article.

The generator uses the later, where the conductor spins inside a stationary magnetic field. The magnetic field surrounding the armature is either a permanent magnet or electromagnetic energized by a separate DC supply which remains stationary. Thus it is known as the Stator of the generator. Since the armature rotates inside a stationary magnetic field, the direction of the current induced changes through half rotation.

Therefore, the current generated inside the armature is always AC. You may refer to the generated electric power transmission and distribution in the previous post. AC generator is a generator that converts mechanical energy into AC electrical energy. It is a type of generator designed to generate alternating current with a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. The current induced in the armature is supplied to the circuit using slip rings.

The slip rings are two separate conducting rings connected with each terminal of the armature. These rings supply current the circuit through a sliding contact called brushes. The rings always rotate with the armature while the brushes remain stationary. Since the slip rings are continuous rings it provides the alternating current generated inside the armature.

And because the brushes continuously slide across it, there is no issue of short circuit or sparks between them. Therefore, the life expectancy of the brushes in the AC generator is more than the DC generator. The alternator is another type of generator that only generates AC electrical energy. The brushes do not wear out in such cases. It is also a type of generator that converts mechanical energy into DC electrical energy.

It is also called a dynamo. It generates pulsating Direct current that does not change its direction. The commutator supplies the current from the rotating armature to the stationary circuit while maintaining the direction of the supplied current. The split ring is a ring-shaped conductor split in half so that there are two gaps between the rings.

The essential parts of a DC Generator include:. Armature Windings. Pole Shoe. Some advantages and disadvantages of DC Generator include as follows:.

DC Generators are widely used for different purposes. For instance, it is used for lighting and power, arc lamps, to provide a power supply, and more. The input power in a DC motor is not transformed completely into the output power.

Due to this reason, there is a loss in some parts of input power in different forms. Due to the resistance in the winding, the current starts flowing in the winding. It results in a copper loss. AC Generators generally produce a high voltage that varies in time as well as amplitude. However, a DC machine generates a low voltage that is continuous in amplitude plus time. It is one of the main differences between DC motors and AC generators. Points of Difference.

AC Generator. DC Generator. The construction of an AC Generator is simple. In this, the coil is fixed through which the current passes and magnet move. The construction of the DC Generator is complex due to the presence of slip rings and commutators.

The coil rotates in a fixed field through which the current passes.