The main key difference between AC and DC generator is that , The AC generator is a electrical device, which transform the mechanical energy form intro an AC electrical form of energy, While the DC generator convert the mechanical input energy into DC electrical energy. We all know that the power electronics knowledge is that the AC generator generates an output voltage which alters in amplitude as well as time whereas the DC generator as a constant output voltage which does not change in amplitude as well as time. Here this blog post we will discuss the difference between AC and DC generator to better understand this topic.
The main KEY difference between AC and DC generator are given below:
- AC generator is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy into AC electric power while in DC generator is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy in DC electric power supply.
- AC generator is also known as alternator, while DC generator also called as a Dynamo.
- AC generator generates AC electric power while the DC generator generates DC electric power.
- In AC generator current flow in one direction while in DC generator current periodically change direction.
- AC generator can be used slip rings for the induced current transmission but the DC generator uses split rings for the transfer of induced current.
- AC generator has slip rings, while DC generator uses a split ring commutator.
- AC generator requires very less maintenance and thus more reliable than a DC generator while DC generator requires frequent maintenance.
- In AC generator slip rings have smooth and uninterrupted surfaces which allow the brushes to remains in contact uninterrupted with the slip ring surfaces. Hence the brushes do not wear as quickly as in case of a DC generator and there is almost no possibility of a short circuit while DC generator uses commutators and brushes were out quickly in the commutator because of sparking.
- AC generator are simple design, but DC generator have complex in design.
- AC generator requires very less maintenance and thus more reliable than a DC generator while DC generator requires frequent maintenance.
- AC generator used to generate very high voltages, DC generator used to generate comparatively lower voltages.
- AC generator does not have commutator, DC generator possesses commutators in order to counter the changing polarities effect.
- AC voltage can be distributed quite easily using a transformer but in DC generator DC voltage is comparatively difficult to distribute efficiently.
- AC generator has a different type like rotating armature, single phase, three phases, rotating field while in DC generator has a different type like a permanent magnet, Self-excited and separately excited.
- AC output is suitable for long distance transmission, on the other hand DC output is not suitable for long distance.
- AC generator are more reliable, but DC generator are not reliable as they require more maintenance.
- Efficiency of AC generator is higher, DC generator has relatively lower efficiency.
- In AC generator output voltage amplitude is higher as compared to DC generator, but the DC generator output voltage amplitudes is comparatively lower.
- In AC generator the alternating current(AC) can be induced in the rotor or stator, in contrast DC generator Direct current(DC) can be produced in the rotor only.
- While in we are using AC generator the initial cost of AC generator is higher, on the other hand, the initial cost of DC generator is relatively lower.
- While we are using the long turn AC generator, the overall cost of AC generator is low, but due to costly maintenance, the overall cost of DC generator is high.
- AC generator may challenging to regulate the voltage, in contrast the DC generator easier to regulate the voltage.
- AC generators are employed for suppling power for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes such as lighting, fans, etc. But the DC generators are mainly used for supplying power to large DC motors such as in electric traction, charging batteries etc.
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