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We Have Two Types of Alternators: Single Phase Alternator

The document discusses two types of alternators: single-phase and two-phase. A single-phase alternator produces a single continuously alternating voltage, while a two-phase alternator produces two completely separate voltages. Alternators are rated based on their voltage output and maximum current capacity before overheating. They require a prime mover like an engine or turbine to power the rotor. The rotor can use a turbine-driven or salient-pole design depending on the prime mover speed. Rectifiers, regulators, and slip rings are also discussed as components that convert the alternating current from the alternator to direct current and control voltage levels.

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635 views6 pages

We Have Two Types of Alternators: Single Phase Alternator

The document discusses two types of alternators: single-phase and two-phase. A single-phase alternator produces a single continuously alternating voltage, while a two-phase alternator produces two completely separate voltages. Alternators are rated based on their voltage output and maximum current capacity before overheating. They require a prime mover like an engine or turbine to power the rotor. The rotor can use a turbine-driven or salient-pole design depending on the prime mover speed. Rectifiers, regulators, and slip rings are also discussed as components that convert the alternating current from the alternator to direct current and control voltage levels.

Uploaded by

Nikyle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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We have two types of alternators:

SINGLE PHASE ALTERNATOR:


A generator that produces a single, continuously alternating voltage is known as a SINGLE-
PHASE alternator. All the alternators that have been discussed so far fit this definition. The
stator (armature)windings are connected in series. The individual voltages, therefore, add to
produce a single-phase AC voltage

a figure of a single-phase alternator

A TWO-PHASE ALTERNATOR:
Two phase implies two voltages if we apply our new definition of phase. And, it’s that simple.
A two-phase alternator is designed to produce two completely separate voltages. Each
voltage, by itself, may be considered as a single-phase voltage. Each is generated completely
independent of the other.

a figure of a two-phase alternator


ALTERNATOR CHARACTERISTICS AND LIMITATIONS

Alternators are rated according to the voltage they are designed to produce and the
maximum current they are capable of providing. The maximum current that can be supplied
by an alternator depends upon the maximum heating loss that can be sustained in the
armature. This heating loss (which is an I2R powerless) acts to heat the conductors, and if
excessive, destroys the insulation. Thus, alternators are rated in terms of this current and in
terms of the voltage output — the alternator rating in small units is in volt-amperes; in large
units it is kilovolt-amperes.

ALTERNATOR COMPONENTS

ROTOR

PRIME MOVERS:

All generators, large and small, ac and dc, require a source of mechanical power to turn their
rotors. This source of mechanical energy is called a prime mover. Prime movers are divided
into two classes for generators-high-speed and low-speed. Steam and gas turbines are high-
speed prime movers, while internal-combustion engines, water, and electric motors are
considered low-speed prime movers. The type of prime mover plays an important part in the
design of alternators since the speed at which the rotor is turned determines certain
characteristics of alternator construction and operation.

There are two types of rotors used in rotating-field alternators. They are called the turbine-
driven and salient-pole rotor
The turbine-driven rotor shown in figure above, view A, is used when the prime mover is a
high-speed turbine. The windings in the turbine-driven rotor are arranged to form two or
four distinct poles. The windings are firmly embedded in slots to withstand the tremendous
centrifugal forces encountered at high speeds

The salient-pole rotor shown in view B, is used in low-speed alternators. The salient-pole
rotor often consists of several separately wound pole pieces, bolted to the frame of the
rotor.

Comparing the physical size of the two types of rotors with the same electrical characteristics,
the salient-pole rotor would have a greater diameter. At the same number of revolutions per
minute, it has a greater centrifugal force than does the turbine-driven rotor. reduce this force
to a safe level so that the windings will not be thrown out of the machine, the salient pole is
used only in low-speed designs.

RECTIFIER

Basically, what a Rectifier does it converts the Alternating Current that is made by the
Alternator and covert it to Direct Current using diodes which a semiconductor in a one-way
gate. Diodes allow current to flow in only one direction making alternating current into direct
current. One very important note when it comes to high output alternators and bridge
rectifiers
.

REGULATOR

The voltage regulator will allow the alternator to make enough power to maintain proper
voltage level, but not allow system voltage to rise to a harmful level. With regulators for the
alternator system, voltage limiting is the means of controlling output.

SLIP RINGS
Slip rings are used in rotating electrical assemblies to make a continuous electrical connection
between stationary and moving conductors. This enables the stationary power source to
transmit electrical power to the rotating component.
Basically, a slip ring is a band of electrically conductive material mounted on a shaft. Although
insulated from the shaft itself, the slip ring is connected to the rotor or rotating assembly
through windings or other electrical connections. The outer part of the slip ring is in
continuous sliding contact with stationary brushes or other stationary conductors.

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