Generator and Components of Generator - AC Generator

Generator is the machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Components of Generator:

1. Field
2. Armature
3. Prime Mover
4. Rotor
5. Stator
6. Slip Rings 

Field of Generator:

• The Field in an AC generator consists of coils of conductors in generators. That conductor receives voltage from a source called excitation. Produces a magnetic flux.
• The magnetic flux in the field produces the voltage by cutting the armature. This voltage is ultimately the output voltage of the AC generator.

An armature of Generator:

• The armature is the part of an AC generator in which voltage is produced.
• This component consists of many coils of wires that are large enough to carry the full-load current of the generator.

Prime Mover of Generator:

• The prime mover is the component that is used to drive the AC generator.
• May be any type of rotating machine called a primary mover. e.g diesel engine, steam turbine, or a motor.

The rotor of the Generator:

• The rotating component of an AC generator said to be rotor as shown in the figure.
• Prime mover drove the rotor of the generator.
• Depending on the type of generator, this component may be the field/armature.
• The rotor will be the armature if the voltage output is generated there; the rotor will be the field if the field excitation is applied there.

Basic AC Generator

The stator of Generator:

• The stator of an AC generator is the part that is stationary shown in the above figure.
• As the rotor, this component may be armature/field depending either on the type of generator.
• The stator will be the armature if the voltage output is generated there.

Slip Ring of Generator:

• Slip rings used to transfer power in the form of electrical connection, to and from the rotor of an AC generator shown in the above figure.
• The slip ring consists of circular conducting material that is connected to the rotor winding and insulated from the shaft.
• Brushes ride on the slip ring as the rotor rotates.
• The electric connection to the rotor is made by connection to the brushes.
• Slip rings are used in AC generators because the desired output of the generator is a sine wave.