Electric Generators

Convert mechanical energy into electrical

energy
A direct result of Faradays work on
induction
Basically, the inverse of the electric motor
which converts electrical energy to
mechanical energy
AC Generator
We will look at a simple version
The output current is
alternating and changes
direction each half
revolution.
AC Generator
We saw earlier that we can
consider Faradays Law or we
can just calculate the forces on
the individual electrons
making up the current. Well
do the latter here.
All the action takes place in
the wire segments ab and cd.
The forces on electrons in ad
and bc are sideways the the
electrons dont move along the
wire due to these forces.
AC Generator
The direction of current in ab
is from a to b. At the bottom it
is from c to d. Thus current
will flow in the loop.
Last time we saw that the
EMF causing this current in
one wire is just Blv
perpendicular
.
Since we have two wires, the
EMF is just twice this amount.
If our coil has N turns then
s = 2NBlv sin
AC Generator

s = 2NBlv sin
=t and v =r = h /2
)
s = 2NBl h /2
)
sint
s = NBAsint
s = NBAsin2xft
Problem
A simple generator has a 720 loop square coil 21.0 cm on a
side. How fast must it turn in a 0.650-T field to produce a 120-
V peak output?
s = NBAsint
s
peak
= NBA
=
s
peak
NBA
=
120
720 0.650 (0.21)
2
= 5.81 rad/sec
DC Generators
Replace the brushes with
slip rings and you get a
DC generator. Notice the
voltage is not steady. The
coil is shown at the top
and bottom of the shaft.
DC Generators
If we increase the number
of turns and arrange them
as shown, we can smooth
out the variations in
voltage.
In the old days, autos used
DC generators to recharge
the battery.
Alternators
An alternating voltage is
produced in the stator coils. We
then connet the stator coils to a
diode (details later) which
converts the AC to fluctuating
DC.
We can also add more stator
coils carefully arranged.
Alternators
Now the AC
voltage is
dramatically
smoothed due to
the arrangement
of the stator
coils.
Counter EMF
In this DC motor, the current
produces a torque. If you keep
applying a torque, the angular
velocity continues to increase!
However, as the coil turns, the
magnetic flux changes and an
EMF is produced. By Lenzs
Law, this opposes the change.
So an equilibrium speed is
obtained. See examples in the
textbook.
Counter EMF
In a generator when current flows to an
external load, the current in the coils
experiences a torque (just like in a motor).
This torque opposes the mechanical motion
causing the induced current.
Transformers
Transformers are devices for increasing or
decreasing AC voltages

V
S
= N
S
A1
B
At
V
P
= N
P
A1
B
At
V
S
V
P
=
N
S
N
P

Power In = Power Out
V
P
I
P
=V
S
I
S
I
S
I
P
=
N
P
N
S
Problem
High-intensity desk lamps are rated at 40 W but require only
12 V. They contain a transformer that converts 120 V
household voltage. (a) Is the transformer step-up or step-
down? (b) What is the current in the secondary when the lamp
is on? What is the current in the primary? (d) What is the
resistance of the bulb when on?
Problem
High-intensity desk lamps are rated at 40 W but require only
12 V. They contain a transformer that converts 120 V
household voltage. (a) Is the transformer step-up or step-
down?

Since the input voltage is 120 V and the
output voltage is 12 V, the transformer
is a step- down unit.
Problem
High-intensity desk lamps are rated at 40 W but require only
12 V. They contain a transformer that converts 120 V
household voltage. (b) What is the current in the secondary
when the lamp is on?
P =VI
40 =12I
I = 40/12 = 3.33 amps
Problem
High-intensity desk lamps are rated at 40 W but require only
12 V. They contain a transformer that converts 120 V
household voltage. What is the current in the primary?
P =VI
40 =120I
I = 40/120 = 0.333 amps
Problem
High-intensity desk lamps are rated at 40 W but require only
12 V. They contain a transformer that converts 120 V
household voltage. (d) What is the resistance of the bulb when
on?
P = I
2
R
40 = (3.33)
2
R
R = 40/(3.33)
2
= 3.6O