A simple AC generator. Image credit electronics-tutorials.ws
ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: The Alternating Power generator
- In an Alternating Current (AC) generator the current changes direction as the coil turns
- An AC generator is made up a rectangular coil that rotates between the poles of a permanent magnet
- The ends of the coil are connected to slip rings
- Against these slip rings are carbon brushes which press lightly just making contact with the slip rings
- As the coil rotates it cuts the magnetic lines of force and a current is induced in the coil
- The carbon brushes take the current from the coil
- The current will keep changing direction every half rotation( 180°) turn of the coil
- Thus the current that is output by this type of generator is known as
- Alternating current
- Typical ZESA current that is used in households and industries changes direction about 50 times each second
- This is expressed as 50 Hertz or 50HZ
- Such real world generators employ other sophisticated mechanisms to achieve this
To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.
