AC GENERATOR

It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Principle: It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction i.e. when a coil is rotated in uniform magnetic
field; electric current is induced in the Coil.

Construction: Main components of a.c generator are given below:

1. Armature (abcd ): It consists of a large number of turns of insulated copper wire wound over a soft iron core.
2. Field Magnet: It produces magnetic field. The armature coil rotates between the pole pieces of the field
magnet.
3. Slip Rings: The two ends of the armature coil are connected to two hollow metal rings. These rings rotate
along with armature coil.
4. Brushes or Sliding Contacts: B1 and B2 are flexible metal plates or carbon rods. These are called brushes. The
brushes remain fixed while slip rings rotate along with the armature.

Working:

As the armature coil is rotated about an axis, the magnetic flux linked with armature changes. Therefore, an
induced current is produced in the armature coil.
(a) Let us suppose that the armature coil ABCD is rotating anti-clockwise so that the arm BA moves inwards and
CD moves outwards. Applying Fleming’s Right Hand Rule, we find that the induced current in the armature coil
and in the circuit is due to which galvanometer (G) shows deflection towards right.

(b) After the armature coil has turned through 180°, it occupies the position as shown in the fig. With the
armature coil rotating in the same direction, CD moves inwards and BA moves outwards. Thus, again applying
Fleming’s Right Hand rule, we find the induced current in the external circuit flows in the opposite direction due
to which the direction of deflection in galvanometer is towards left.