AC vs.

DC Generators
Generator Disadvantages Advantages Uses
DC Requires a split-ring commutator which Some devices, such as Battery
Generator complicates the design and results in battery rechargers and rechargers
increasing cost of construction and cathode ray tubes, rely Cathode ray
maintenance. solely on DC for their tubes
The gap in the split-ring can cause sparks function.
during generation. For a given voltage, DC Heavy duty tools
DC losses more energy during transmission current is generally more
than AC. powerful than AC.
AC For correct integration of electricity Three phase AC are Induction motors
Generator throughout the nation, the frequencies of AC possible.
generators in different regions must be AC voltage is easily
synchronised, that is, the AC outputs must increased or decreased
have the same frequency and be in-phase. using transformers.
This requires extra coordination.

Effect of Development of AC Generators on Society and

Environment
Advantages
 Improvements in standard of living: AC generators enable people to have electricity at
home, making life more comfortable, luxurious, and entertaining.
 Efficient and clean energy: electricity is instantaneous and electrical appliances are more
efficient than their gas or diesel counterparts.
 Concentration in production of electricity: The invention of AC generators allows
electricity to be generated at one centre. Such a concentration of energy production
makes pollution much easier to manage and also keeps it away from cities.
 Regulation of energy production: energy production and consumption can be recorded
and monitored easily for research and management.
 Minimisation of energy lost through transmission: Because of the high energy efficiency
in transmission of the AC system compared to the DC system, there is less waste and less
demand on energy resources.
 Development of industry: Development of AC generators, especially with the invention of
AC induction motors, stimulated the development of industry.

Disadvantages
 Environmental pollution: burning fossil fuels for the generation of energy releases CO 2
and toxic emissions, water discharge from power plants cause thermal pollution in
nearby waterways. Waste from nuclear energy, which can also be used for electricity
production can pose a major threat to the environment.
 Disturbance of natural habitat: constructing large AC power plants requires modification
of landscape.
 Accidents: Injuries and deaths from electric shock have become more common. Fire
hazards related to AC power generation are also common. Accidents at nuclear power
stations can be disastrous.
 Replacement of labour: electrical tools and machines have replaced humans.
 Overwhelming Industrialisation: excessive industrial development brings a lot of social
and environmental negative effects.

Competition between Edison and Westinghouse

Edison was a scientist that set up a business to supply electricity and used a DC system. He
initially installed light bulbs for homes, then street lights, which were all running on DC. His
electricity and lighting system lit up New York City, and was shown to be very successful. He
also developed DC motors and other appliances that ran on DC. Ironically, the success of
Edison’s original lighting system led to his undoing, as the demand for electricity quickly
increased leading to the desire to build larger power plants, transmit power over greater
distances and use voltages other than 110 V. Edison’s DC system was ill suited to meet these
new demands.

Westinghouse was a wealthy businessman who bought the patent of the AC system from
Tesla and opened up his own electric company, in 1886, to compete with Edison. He was
granted the right to build a power station at Niagara Falls.

The two men engaged in a public relations battle to determine which system would become
the dominant technology. Westinghouse was the overall winner of the competition, as the
AC system was more efficient for two reasons:
 The ability to use transformers to step up the voltage of AC to transmit over long
distances without heat loss, while DC power can only be transmitted a few km at a time.
This allows for the concentration of power generation away from main cities.
 The split ring commutator in DC generators posed a problem with high speed rotation.