I. Draw an elementary generator. Label and define the functions of all the parts.

Show using the

left-hand rule on how a commutator works. (Discuss the sole purpose)

Figure 1-2. —The elementary generator.

 POLE PIECES (marked N and S) – provide the magnetic field. The pole pieces are shaped and
positioned as shown to concentrate the magnetic field as close as possible to the wire loop.
 ARMATURE - the loop of wire that rotates through the field.
 SLIP RINGS – rings that are connected to the ends of the armature loop. They rotate with the
armature.
 BRUSHES - usually made of carbon, with wires attached to them, ride against the rings. The
generated voltage appears across these brushes.

Figure 1-1. —Left-hand rule for generators.

THE LEFT-HAND RULE FOR GENERATORS states that when the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of
the left hand are extended at right angles to each other so that the thumb indicates the direction of
movement of the conductor in the magnetic field, and the forefinger points in the direction of the flux
lines (north to south), the middle finger shows the direction of induced EMF in the conductor.
II. What is the essential difference between an AC generator and a DC generator? Give five
practical uses for generators.

Essential difference between an AC generator and a DC generator

 Design of AC and DC Generator

The stator in DC generators is in form of a hollow roller with magnetic poles on the inside. The rotor
consists of a core, a shaft, a winding and a collector. The core consists of mutually insulated dynamo
sheets with grooves. The grooves are wrapped in copper wire whose ends are connected to the
collector. The collector is in the form of slices attached to the shaft. Carbon brushes move along the
collector and can charge/discharge current. The stator of AC generators has on the inside of the roller a
longitudinal groove in which there are windings, in contrast to a DC electromotor where magnetic poles
are located. When the current flows through the windings in the stator, a magnetic field appears. The
rotor is similar to that of a DC generator, only instead of the collector on the shaft there are two
mutually isolated rings. Rotating of the rotor creates alternating current in the stator coils which is
passed to the receiver.

 Application of AC and DC Generator

Dc power machines can work both as a motor and generator. DC generators suppressed the
semiconductor rectifier use. AC generators are vastly used for electrical energy generating/transmitting.

Practical uses for generators

 EMERGENCY BACKUP
Having a portable generator piggy backed on your home electricity supply is a good idea. With this setup
you never again have to worry about losing power in the middle of the night. In fact, losing power itself
will have no effect on the way you live your life inside your home. Today’s portable generators can
power refrigerators, television, window air conditioners and much more. It all depends on the wattage
of your particular generator.
 AT THE JOB SITE
Power tools eat up loads of electricity. Unfortunately, a job site may not be well connected to an
electricity supply line that can provide enough Amps to operate powerful tools. In such cases having a
portable generator that can deliver enough power to operate 30Amp or 50Amp tools is a great
advantage. Alternatively, generators are also used in sporting events to power electronic signboards and
large floodlights.
 FOR CONCERTS, EVENTS AND OUTDOOR PARTIES
A large portable generator can help you organize events, concerts and parties in the local park or even
in your backyard. A concert requires lots of power and sourcing all the power from the supply lines is a
dangerous proposition since it may overload the circuits. Instead, having a few portable generators, one
powering the musical systems and speakers, another for the lights and a third for pyrotechnics can help
save your concert or event from eminent blackouts in the event of overloading or a power surge.
 DURING NATURAL EMERGENCIES
Hurricanes, tornadoes and even floods, all disrupt the power supply to a city. A portable generator helps
large institutions such as hospitals, universities and government agencies to continue operations as
usual. It is vital during a natural emergency to have power for a few specific agencies such as banks,
hospitals, fire department, police etc. Distribution centers and relief operations during hurricanes often
rely on lots of portable generators to keep the workforce engaged and operating at full efficiency.
Furthermore, a backup generator at home will keep you and your family cozy through the calamity
ensuing outside.
 FOR A PERFECT TRIP
Whether you go on a camping trip or a road trip in a RV, having a portable generator lets you take all
modern conveniences along with you. Most camping sites allow silent generators to power lights,
television, radio, charge batteries and even run small portable freezers. Alternatively, you could go on
such trips with any power but that is going to leave you and your companions groping in the dark once
your camp fire burns out.

III. What factors control generator output? How would the output voltage change if the strength of
the magnetic field were increased? Decreased?

Factors that control generator output:

1. Increasing the number of turns of wire in the coil – By increasing the amount of individual conductors
cutting through the magnetic field, the amount of induced emf produced will be the sum of all the
individual loops of the coil, so if there are 20 turns in the coil there will be 20 times more induced emf
than in one piece of wire.
2. Increasing the speed of the relative motion between the coil and the magnet – If the same coil of wire
passed through the same magnetic field but its speed or velocity is increased, the wire will cut the lines
of flux at a faster rate so more induced emf would be produced.
3. Increasing the strength of the magnetic field – If the same coil of wire is moved at the same speed
through a stronger magnetic field, there will be more emf produced because there are more lines of
force to cut.