Generator notes (Miniphysics.
com)
An alternating current (A.C.) generator is an important application of electromagnetic induction.
A.C. generator is an electromagnetic device which transforms mechanical energy into electrical
energy. It consists of a rectangular coil of wire which can be rotated about an axis. The coil is
located between the poles
of two permanent magnets.
As the coil rotates, the
magnetic field through the
coil changes, which induces
an electromotive force
(e.m.f.) between the ends of
the coil.
Note: The induced current
does not flow UNLESS the
generator is electrically
connected to an external
circuit with an electrical
load, such as a light bulb as
shown in the above figure.
Purpose of slip rings:
The slip rings allow the
transfer of alternating e.m.f.
induced in the rotating coil to the external circuit. Each ring is connected to one end of the coil wire
and is electrically connected to the external circuit via the conductive carbon brushes.
Note the difference between A.C. generator and D.C. motor. D.C. motor uses split-ring
commutator, which reverses the current direction in the coil every half a turn and allows the coil to
always turn in the clockwise
direction.
Using the figure above, we will
investigate the workings of an a.c.
generator. Note that the coil is
being turned in a clockwise
manner and the magnetic field is
pointing towards the right.
Steps in the operation:
● Coil starts in reference
position 0∘: The plane of the
coil is perpendicular to the
magnetic field lines. This
means that the sides of the coil are moving parallel to the magnetic field lines and not
“cutting” through any magnetic field lines. Hence, no e.m.f. is induced.
● Coil gets turned to reference position 90∘: The plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic
field lines. The sides of the coil are moving perpendicularly to the magnetic field lines and
will be “cutting” through the magnetic field lines at the greatest rate. Hence, the induced
e.m.f. is the maximum at this position. Using Fleming’s right hand rule, the direction of force
at A is upwards (due to clockwise motion), while the magnetic field lines are pointing
rightwards. This will give an induced current pointing into the screen. You can do the same
analysis for B, which will be carrying an induced current pointing out of the screen.
● Coil gets turned to reference position 180∘ and 360∘: Same as the analysis in reference
position 0∘.
● Coil gets turned to reference position 270∘: Same analysis as in reference
position 90∘ BUT the e.m.f. is in the opposite direction. This is due to the position of A and
B switching places and by the Fleming’s right hand rule, the inwards current will be carried
by B and outwards current will be carried by A.
● The frequency of rotation is related to the period T by:
f 1
=
T
Ways to increase emf in a.c. generator:
1. Decrease distance between magnet and coil. (To increase magnetic field strength experienced
by coil)
[2.] Use a stronger
magnet.
2.[3.] Increase frequency
of rotation of the coil.
(Double freq. =
double max. e.m.f.
and halving T)
3.[4.] Increase number of
turns in the
coil. (Double no. of
turns = double max
e.m.f.)
Turning the magnets
instead of the coil
For the generation of large currents, it is more practical and advantageous to keep the coil fixed
and to rotate the magnetic field around the coil. In this case, the magnetic field cuts the coil to
produce the induced e.m.f., instead of the coil cutting the magnetic field. Note that the slip rings
and carbon brushes (incapable of carrying large currents) are absent in this design.
