How Does an AC Generator Work vs a DC Generator?

Juliet D'cruz

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There’s a reason why the global generator market is valued at roughly $20.31 billion. Generators are vital pieces of equipment that transform mechanical energy into electricity.

However, despite their importance, many people don’t know about the different types of generators. In particular, there are two main types of generators that you should be familiar with: an AC generator and a DC generator.

But, exactly how do these two different generators work? If you want to learn the answer to this question, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore how the two generators work and how they’re different from one another. Let’s get started!

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How Does an AC Generator Work?

An AC generator turns mechanical energy into electric energy. AC generators are generally smaller than DC generators. A magnet on the device is designed to pull the energy through a coil. With an AC generator, the electricity will flow in the opposite direction at certain intervals.

Make sure to check out this article if you want to learn more about how generators produce electricity. One of the key differences between an AC generator and a DC generator is the distribution of the power output.

With an AC generator, the power can be sent to a transformer which isn’t possible with a DC one. However, while AC generators require less maintenance they’re also a lot more expensive in terms of starting price.

On top of that, the production of AC power can make this unsafe. However, this is usually only if it’s used on a large scale.

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How Does a DC Generator Work?

A DC generator turns mechanical energy into a direct current of electricity. The construction of the DC generator makes it a bit more complex than the AC generator. This is due to the presence of commutators and slip rings.

This causes the electric current to only flow one way with the DC generator. Sadly, it’s more difficult to distribute power using a DC generator. This is because transformers can’t be used. As a result, there is some loss on the input power.

However, it is a bit more affordable than AC generators. And, it can be used for a variety of different purposes. For example, it’s commonly utilized for power supplies, arc lamps, and other types of lighting.

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We hope this article helped you learn the difference between an AC generator and a DC generator. While there are a lot of differences between the two generators, there are also a lot of similarities.

For example, they both use magnetic fields and motion from the coil to produce electricity. However, at the end of the day, the right one for you depends on what you’re using it for and your budget.

Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more topics that you’re sure to love.