How a DC Generator Operates

A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electricity. There are two types of generators: those that produce alternating current (AC) and those that produce direct current (DC). While both operate through the same basic principles, DC generators are a little more complex.

Types

A DC generator comes in one of two basic forms. One has a rotating magnet set inside a group of coils. The other has a rotating coil set inside a group of magnets.

Theory of Operation

DC motors work through Faraday's Principle. When a magnetic field changes near a wire, it creates an electric current inside that wire. Therefore, when the rotating arm (called the armature) rotates, it changes the magnetic field the coils are exposed to, generating electricity in them.

Special Considerations

A DC motor has a special device called a commutator that allows it to produce direct current. This is a rotating shaft with copper strips on the outside, connected to the coils by a set of brushes. This device keeps the current flowing directly instead of alternating.

References

• Georgia State University Hyperphysics: How Does an Electric Generator Work?
• Electrician Education: Electrical Theory

Resources

• Polar Power Inc: Why Use DC Generators for Telecommunications, Solar, UPS, Backup, Prime Power?