AC Generation Analysis

Analysis of the AC power generation process and of the alternating current we use in almost every aspect of our lives is necessary to better understand how AC power is used in today’s technology.Effective ValuesThe output voltage of an AC generator can be expressed in two ways. One is graphically by use of a sine wave (Figure 1). The second way is algebraically by the equation e = Emax sin wt, which will be covered later in the text.Figure 1 Voltage Sine WaveWhen a voltage is produced by an AC generator, the resulting current varies in step with the voltage. As the generator coil rotates 360°, the output voltage goes through one complete cycle....

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AC Generation

An understanding of how an AC generator develops an AC output will help us analyze the AC power generation process.The elementary AC generator (Figure 1) consists of a conductor, or loop of wire in a magnetic field that is produced by an electromagnet. The two ends of the loop are connected to slip rings, and they are in contact with two brushes. When the loop rotates it cuts magnetic lines of force, first in one direction and then the other.Development of a Sine-Wave OutputFigure 1 Simple AC GeneratorAt the instant the loop is in the vertical position (Figure 2, 0o), the coil sides are moving parallel to the field and do not cut magnetic lines...

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DC Circuit Terminology

Before operations with DC circuits can be studied, an understanding of the types of circuits and common circuit terminology associated with circuits is essential.Schematic DiagramSchematic diagrams are the standard means by which we communicate information in electrical and electronics circuits. On schematic diagrams, the component parts are represented by graphic symbols, some of which were presented earlier in Module 1. Because graphic symbols are small, it is possible to have diagrams in a compact form. The symbols and associated lines show how circuit components are connected and the relationship of those components with one another. Figure...

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DC Sources

When most people think of DC, they usually think of batteries. In addition to batteries, however, there are other devices that produce DC which are frequently used in modern technology.BatteriesA battery consists of two or more chemical cells connected in series. The combination of materials within a battery is used for the purpose of converting chemical energy into electrical energy. To understand how a battery works, we must first discuss the chemical cell. The chemical cell is composed of two electrodes made of different types of metal or metallic compounds which are immersed in an electrolyte solution. The chemical actions which result are...

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