The Difference between AC Diesel Generators and DC Diesel Generators 1

Although the names may seem the same to you, there are significant differences between AC generators and DC generators. These two types of diesel generators provide completely different results. They all provide current, but the final current varies in terms of movement, mechanism, design, and purpose. Here, Dingbo Electric will explain the difference between AC generators and DC generators, and answer all the questions you may think of while reading about these two types of generators. Let's first briefly introduce AC generators and DC generators.

An AC generator generates alternating current in the opposite direction, while a DC generator has unidirectional direct current. The coil through which current flows in an AC generator is usually stationary, while the magnet moves. AC and DC generators are important products of the power system. AC and DC generators are provided by multiple suppliers and companies, different manufacturers, and many distributors. Dingbo Power has a large number of AC and DC generators for sale.

Dingbo Power has complete AC and DC generators, covering all power needs. Dingbo Power can provide assistance in this regard. Please contact the experts in Dingbo Power Generator to learn more about Dingbo Power's high-quality products and diversified services.

What is an AC generator?

An AC generator is considered a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. This energy exists in the form of alternating current or as a substitute for electromotive force. They work based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which generates electromotive force (EMF) in a current carrying conductor that cuts a uniform magnetic field. This can be achieved by rotating a conductive coil in a static magnetic field or by rotating a magnetic field containing a stationary conductor. The preferred arrangement is to keep the coil stationary, as it is easier to draw induced AC current from a stationary armature coil than from a rotating coil.

What is a DC generator?

A DC generator converts mechanical energy into direct current, abbreviated as DC electricity. A DC generator operates based on the principle of energy induced electromotive force.

Now, let's delve into the differences between AC generators and DC generators and understand their uses. Then, you will be able to decide which one suits your needs:

Communication and DC: Design and Mechanism

In design, the current of the AC generator flows through a fixed coil, and with the help of a moving magnet, the current remains in the opposite direction. In a DC generator, the coil moves in a fixed magnetic field and the current flows with this movement, so the DC generator does not have a fixed coil.

One of the similarities between AC generators and DC generators is that they both have slip rings (made of metal) and armature coils. The armature is connected to an external circuit through a connection method that directly affects the type of current generated.

The AC generator has two metal rings that rotate simultaneously with the armature coils. Both ends of the armature are connected to separate slip rings with carbon brushes to achieve this process. But the AC generator contains a fixed electric brush. Electric brushes are components that receive the current flowing through slip rings. However, both the end of the external circuit and the end of the armature are connected to a brush.

Another difference between an AC generator and a DC generator in this regard is that an AC generator has two slip rings, while a DC generator only has one. The two semi-circular metal rings in the commutator are insulated from each other. The two ends of the armature in a DC generator are connected to half of the commutator. Then, every half rotation will cause the current direction in the armature to be opposite.

Then, the armature rotates 180 degrees between the magnetic poles, reducing the current from its highest point to zero. The ring in an AC generator does not have a commutator, while a DC generator has an open ring commutator. In addition, the smooth and uninterrupted surface efficiency of AC slip rings is high and does not wear out quickly, while the efficiency of the two brushes of DC generators is lower than that of AC generators because they wear out quickly. The efficiency of electric brushes in AC generators reduces the possibility of short circuits, but the possibility is high in DC generators.

Although AC and DC generators have different methods of collecting and transmitting induced electromotive force in external circuits, they both utilize electromagnetic principles to achieve the desired results. Therefore, there is another difference between AC generators and DC generators, which is caused by the connection between the armature and the external circuit in these two types of generators.

If you are interested in our product or any question on generator, welcome to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com.