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A synchronous generator is called “synchronous” because the waveform of the generated voltage is synchronized with the rotation of the generator. Each peak of the sinusoidal waveform corresponds to a physical position of the rotor. The magnetic field of the rotor is supplied by direct current or permanent magnets.
What is the meaning of synchronous generator?
[′siŋ·krə·nəs ′jen·ə‚rād·ər] (electricity) A machine that generates an alternating voltage when its armature or field is rotated by a motor, an engine, or other means. The output frequency is exactly proportional to the speed at which the generator is driven.
What is difference between synchronous generator and alternator?
Alternators are also known as synchronous generator. Both perform same function but they are quite different in every aspect. The Alternator is used to produce three phase power from mechanical power. You can understand it by the fact that it is called Alternator so Alternator means alternating generator.
What is the principle of synchronous generator?
The principle of operation of synchronous generator is electromagnetic induction. If there exits a relative motion between the flux and conductors, then an emf is induced in the conductors.
Why is excitation always DC?
In the alternator, as the rotor conductor changes its position as the rotor rotating so constant flux is to be produced in the rotor winding and it is possible only when the DC supply is given to the rotor winding. As we need constant flux that is why DC is used instead of AC for excitation of Synchronous Alternator.
Is generator better than alternator?
Alternators have a higher output current than generators. An alternator is to used to produce small-scale electricity or used as charging system for automobiles, and generators are used to produce large scale electricity.
Which is better generator or alternator?
Alternators have a higher output than generators. Generators have a lower output when compared with an alternator. Alternators use only the required amount of energy and thus, it conserves more energy. Generators use all the energy that is produced and so, they conserve less energy.
Can an alternator be used as a generator?
Turn a car alternator into alternative energy by building this cheap and easy homemade wind generator. If you can turn a wrench and operate an electric drill, you can build this simple generator in two days. You can use any vehicle alternator with a built-in voltage regulator.
What are the two types of synchronous generators?
Types of synchronous machines Hydrogenerators : The generators which are driven by hydraulic turbines are called hydrogenerators. These are run at lower speeds less than 1000 rpm. Turbogenerators: These are the generators driven by steam turbines. Engine driven Generators: These are driven by IC engines.
What are the applications of synchronous generator?
Synchronous generators are the majority source of commercial electrical energy. They are commonly used to convert the mechanical power output of steam turbines, gas turbines, reciprocating engines and hydro turbines into electrical power for the grid.
How does a synchronous generator start?
In a synchronous generator, a DC current is applied to the rotor winding producing a rotor magnetic field. The rotor is then turned by external means producing a rotating magnetic field, which induces a 3-phase voltage within the stator winding. The rotor of a synchronous machine is a large electromagnet.
Why is excitation needed?
The excitation system is responsible for supplying the field current to the main rotor. The requirements of an excitation system include reliability under all conditions of service, a simplicity of control, ease of maintenance, stability and fast transient response.
What happens if excitation is changed?
A change in the excitation, thus, affects only the power factor of its output. This reduces the terminal voltage slightly, so let the excitation of the first alternator be increased so as to bring the terminal voltage back to its original value.
Why synchronous motors are not self starting?
Above a certain size, synchronous motors are not self-starting motors. This property is due to the inertia of the rotor; it cannot instantly follow the rotation of the magnetic field of the stator. Once the rotor nears the synchronous speed, the field winding is excited, and the motor pulls into synchronization.
At what RPM does a alternator charge?
An alternator has a normal range of operation. Most alternators need to spin at about 2,400 rpm at idle, have their maximum output above 6,000 rpm, and should never exceed 18,000 rpm.
What does an alternator do in a generator?
A generator alternator is the heart of the generator. The alternator also referred to as ‘genhead’ is that part of a generator that produces electrical energy from the mechanical energy supplied to it by the engine. An alternator comprises a stator — a stationary component — and a rotor — a moving component.
Why is an alternator more efficient than a generator?
The generator is the exact opposite of the alternator. Efficiency is on the alternator’s side, as the wire winding is the biggest and heaviest part of both devices, so the alternator is spinning the lightest part. This means the alternator can work at a higher speed and produce more power at lower speeds.
How many watts does a car alternator produce?
Conventional alternator may only produce power for about 500 Watt to 600 Watt. But nowadays, a single alternator can produce power up to 2500 Watt, depending on the power demand. The power that can be produced by an alternator is determined by the alternator rating.
Why can’t an alternator charge a dead battery?
A) Alternators are designed to maintain a battery’s charge, not to recharge a dead battery. Charging a dead battery with an alternator will result in premature alternator failure. It is always best to charge a dead battery with a battery charger prior to putting an alternator into operation.
Do portable generators have alternators?
A generator produces Direct Current (DC) and an alternator produces Alternating Current (AC). In reality, the portable generator in your garage uses an alternator to generate an alternating current.
Can you turn a fan into a generator?
The fan is a bi-directional machine, so it can transform wind energy in mechanical energy without any change. In order to obtain electrical energy, it shall be necessary to make changes in the motor to obtain a generator. The design of these motors is very simple.
Are alternators AC or DC?
Car batteries operate on one-way direct current (DC) electricity, while alternators output alternating current (AC) electricity, which occasionally flows in reverse.
Why do cars use alternators instead of generators?
Alternators have several advantages over direct-current generators (dynamos). Alternators are: Lighter, cheaper, and more rugged. The brushes in an alternator carry only DC excitation current, which is a small fraction of the current carried by the brushes of a DC generator, which carry the generator’s entire output.
