AC Generators and Their Application in Everyday Life
AC current and AC generators have been around for a long time now and yet there are still people who don’t know the purpose or how they are used in everyday life.
But that’s really okay, and if you’re looking to learn everything about AC generators, you’re in the right place!
Down below, you’ll learn what AC current is, what AC generators are and how they work, but also why slip rings are used in a certain type of an AC generator and what are actually slip rings.
So keep on reading to learn much more than just what AC generators do!
What is an AC Energy and an AC Generator?
AC current stands for alternating current and it’s a type of a current that changes its direction (reverses it periodically).
This changes the magnitude continuously in time and it’s also a current type that’s more efficient than the direct current.
Therefore, with the help of AC current, we are lucky to have AC generators which help us create mechanical power with the help of AC current.
Due to the periodical reversing of the AC current, it can travel longer distances, and even power more homes. And if you have ever wondered why we have AC energy in the power outlets of our homes, that’s the main reason!
AC energy is much more efficient and it’s a much better choice for powering more homes on the grid.
However, that doesn’t mean that DC power and DC generators aren’t as efficient. Both AC and DC generators have their advantages and disadvantages so it’s more of which power type fits your certain needs better.
On top of that, you should also remember that AC power only flows in one direction even though it periodically reverses.
Best Everyday Life AC Generator Applications
Everyday life AC generator applications, source: Wikipedia
AC generators are widely used in many different industries and niches. Therefore, chances are you’ve come across AC generators without even noticing them.
Some of the most common AC generator applications in everyday life include power plants, sailboats, and it can be even found in internal combustion machines since they can be powered by steam and gas to produce mechanical power as well.
But one of the most common areas in life where you’d find AC generators is in modern transportation, specifically electric scooters and electric bikes.
These electric vehicles come integrated with an AC generator (a small motor) which can turn AC current from the battery pack into the mechanical power that can spin the wheels while handling a certain weight.
However, since AC current is also widely used in facilities and households, AC generators are as important in producing power from the electricity since it’s the best way to do so.
AC generators also make a very important part of a power source when transferring electricity on longer distances, since alternating current is ideal for this, yet AC generators help make it happen efficiently.
Why Do AC Generators Use Slip Rings?
Not all AC generator types use slip rings, but induction generators use slip rings as a way to add resistance.
But why is resistance important for the induction AC generators?
There are two reasons and it’s because resistance helps reduce voltage of the motor, but it also helps decrease the starting current.
This allows a smooth start and that’s why induction AC generators use resistance, while other types of AC generators don’t need it. However, the resistance is only used until the generator reaches its optimal rotation speed and that’s when resistance stops having any part in the AC generator.
But why slip rings? Aren’t they made to solve a different purpose?
That’s true, but slip rings are also very versatile and they fit AC generators perfectly because they can also be used to limit the rotating speed, and slip rings are even doing a very similar job at controlling the top speed of wind turbine blades.
As a result, AC generators can help produce a smooth and steady start which is much needed in certain applications, such as electric scooters or electric bikes where you don’t want the electric vehicle to speed up straight away as it could be dangerous, yet gradually build up to the top speed.
What are Slip Rings and What is Their Purpose?
Learn about slip rings and their purpose, source: Moflon
Slip rings are small devices that are made to solve a wire winding problem in machines and equipment that have both a rotary and a stationary aspect to it.
But since they’re very simply and wisely built, they have multiple purposes, one of which is the ability to add resistance to the generators and motors.
Therefore, slip rings can help improve mechanical performance, simplify system operation, and fit in almost any type of machine or occassion.
Companies such as Moflon have been producing high-end slip rings that come in 6 different types, and yet they can fit so many different needs and purposes. On top of that, Moflon also produces custom slip ring solutions for innovations and companies that require custom solutions to fit slip rings in almost any type of working environment.
Besides solving the wire winding problem, slip rings are also good at eliminating wires around the joints, but also help transmit data, signal, and power, or even other mediums such as fluid, coolant, water, gas & oils or more, from stationary to rotary part of the machine.
Conclusion
AC generators have been around for ages, but they’re still as efficient and as used as they were before.
With so many applications even in the modern innovations such as electric vehicles, AC generators are definitely here to stay.
With the help of even the smallest but important devices such as a slip ring, AC generators proved themselves to be a solid and worthy solution to so many different needs across so many industries in the world.
