AC Generator

JAWAHAR NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA

CHAMARAJANAGARA

2024 - 25

Physics Investigatory Project

Topic: AC Generator

Submitted By
Manasa M
Class 12

Submitted To
Amarjith U
PGT Physics

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AC Generator

CERTIFICATE

Date:

This is to certify that Manasa M of Class 12 has completed the physics project titled “AC
Generator” in partial fulfilment of curricula of Central Board of Secondary Education
(CBSE). This project was carried out in the school Laboratory of the vidyalaya during the
academic year.

Signature of Faculty Signature of Principal

Date Date

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The successful completion of any work would be incomplete without mentioning the people
who made it possible, whose constant support guidance and encouragement lead to my
successful completion of this process and I would like to take this opportunity to excess my
deepest thanks to all those who have helped me towards the completion of my work.

I would like acknowledge my sincere gratitude for the constructive guidance and
encouragement I receive from “Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya”, throughout the completion of
the study report , I am thankful to our Principal Mrs Preetha J for the support and help.

I am in grateful to my Physics teacher Mr Amarjith U, PGT Physics, who spent his valuable
time out to give me suggestions and guidance throughout this study.
I also sincerely thank my Parents and Friends whose continuous support has helped me in the
successful completion of my project.

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AC Generator

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Objectives

3. Background Theory

3.1 Basic Principles

3.2 Components of AC Generators
3.3 Types of AC Generators
4. Methodology

4.1 Literature Review

4.2 Experimental Design
4.3 Materials Needed
4.4 Procedure
5. Data Collection

6. Analysis

7. Discussion

7.1 Results Interpretation

7.2 Real-world Applications
8. Conclusion

9. References

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1. INTRODUCTION
An AC generator, also known as an alternator, is a device that converts mechanical energy
into electrical energy in the form of alternating current (AC). It operates on the principle of
electromagnetic induction, where a conductor, typically in the form of a coil, moves through
a magnetic field, inducing an electric current.

Key components of an AC generator include:

1. Rotor: The rotating part that creates a magnetic field.

2. Stator: The stationary part that contains the coil of wire where the electricity is
generated.
3. Prime Mover: The mechanical source of energy, such as a turbine or engine, which
drives the rotor.

The output of an AC generator can be adjusted to meet different voltage requirements,

making it versatile for various applications, from small-scale power generation to large utility
power plants. AC generators are crucial in supplying electricity for homes, industries, and
commercial establishments, contributing significantly to the global energy infrastructure.

1.1 Definition

An AC (Alternating Current) generator, or alternator, is a device that converts mechanical

energy into electrical energy through the principle of electromagnetic induction.

1.2 Importance

AC generators are fundamental to modern electrical systems, providing power for homes,
industries, and various technologies. They are preferred for their efficiency and ability to
transmit electricity over long distances, which is crucial for national grids.

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2. OBJECTIVES
1. Understand the working principles of AC generators.

2. Explore different types of AC generators and their applications.

3. Investigate the factors affecting the efficiency and performance of AC generators.

3. BACKGROUND THEORY
3.1 Basic Principles

AC generators operate based on Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, which states

that a change in magnetic flux through a closed loop induces an electromotive force (EMF) in
the loop. This principle is fundamental to the operation of all electrical generators.

3.2 Components of AC Generators

 Stator: The stationary part that generates the magnetic field, typically comprised of
coils of wire.
 Rotor: The rotating part that induces electrical current within the stator.
 Slip Rings: These allow for the transfer of AC power from the rotor to the external
circuit.
 Brushes: Conduct electricity between stationary and moving parts of the generator.

3.3 Types of AC Generators

1. Synchronous Generators: These operate at a constant speed, producing power that is

synchronized with the electrical grid frequency. They are commonly used in large
power plants.
2. Induction Generators: These rely on rotor speeds that exceed synchronous speed
and are often found in wind turbines and small-scale power generation.

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4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 Literature Review

Conduct a comprehensive review of existing studies on AC generator efficiency, types, and

applications. Key areas to explore include:

 Historical developments in generator technology.

 Recent advancements in efficiency and renewable energy applications.

4.2 Experimental Design

Design an experiment to build a simple AC generator, allowing for hands-on exploration of

its principles and functionality.

4.3 Materials Needed

 Copper wire (20 gauge)

 Small DC motor (to act as the prime mover)
 Neodymium magnets
 Mounting base (cardboard or wood)
 Diode bridge rectifier
 Multimeter (to measure voltage and current)
 Load resistors (for testing different loads)

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4.4 Procedure

1. Construction:
o Create a coil by wrapping copper wire around a cylindrical object.
o Secure the coil to a rotating base powered by the DC motor.
o Arrange neodymium magnets around the coil to create a magnetic field.
2. Connecting Components:
o Connect the output of the coil to a diode bridge rectifier to convert AC to DC
(if needed).
o Connect a multimeter to measure the voltage and current output.
3. Testing:
o Vary the speed of the DC motor to observe changes in output voltage and
frequency.
o Use different load resistors to measure the generator's performance under
varying conditions.

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5. DATA COLLECTION

Record the following data during experiments to analyse the performance of the AC
generator:

Speed (RPM) Voltage (V) Current (A) Output Power (W) Frequency (Hz)

500 5 0.1 0.5 8.33

1000 10 0.2 2.0 16.67

1500 15 0.3 4.5 25.00

2000 20 0.4 8.0 33.33

2500 25 0.5 12.5 41.67

6. ANALYSIS

 Graphical Representation: Create graphs to illustrate the relationship between

speed, voltage, current, and power output.
o Voltage vs. Speed: A line graph showing how voltage increases with speed.

Speed (RPM) Vs Voltage (V)

30

25

20

15
Voltage (V)
10

0
Speed 500 1000 1500 2000
(RPM)

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o Current vs. Load: A bar graph displaying current changes with different
resistive loads.

Output Power (W)

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

Output Power (W)

 Efficiency Calculation: Assess the efficiency of the generator using the formula:

Efficiency (%) = (Output Power / Input Power) × 100

1. Calculate Output Power: Pout = V × I

 For 500 RPM:

Pout = 5 V × 0.1 A = 0.5 W

 For 1000 RPM:

Pout = 10 V × 0.2 A = 2.0 W

 For 1500 RPM:

Pout = 15 V × 0.3 A = 4.5 W

 For 2000 RPM:

Pout = 20 V × 0.4 A = 8.0 W

 For 2500 RPM:

Pout = 25 V × 0.5 A = 12.5 W

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2. Estimate Input Power

Speed (RPM) Input Power (P_in) (W)

500 1.0
1000 3.0
1500 6.0
2000 10.0
2500 15.0

3. Calculate Efficiency

 For 500 RPM:

η = (0.5 W/1.0 W) × 100 = 50%

 For 1000 RPM:

η = (2.0 W/3.0 W) × 100 = 66.67%

 For 1500 RPM:

η = (4.5 W/6.0 W) × 100 = 75%

 For 2000 RPM:

η = (8.0 W/10.0 W) × 100 = 80%

 For 2500 RPM:

η = (12.5 W/15.0 W) × 100 = 83.33%

Summary of Efficiency Calculations

Speed (RPM) Output Power (W) Input Power (W) Efficiency (%)

500 0.5 1.0 50.00

1000 2.0 3.0 66.67

1500 4.5 6.0 75.00

2000 8.0 10.0 80.00

2500 12.5 15.0 83.33

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7. DISCUSSION

7.1 Results Interpretation

 From the calculations, you can observe that as the speed of the AC generator
increases, both output power and efficiency improve. This reflects the generator’s
performance under varying operational conditions.
 As the speed of the DC motor increases, both the voltage and current output increase.
This demonstrates the generator's ability to produce more power with higher
rotational speeds.
 The frequency of the generated AC also increases with speed, highlighting the direct
correlation between rotor speed and electrical output frequency.

7.2 Real-world Applications

 Power Plants: AC generators are used in hydroelectric and thermal power plants to
convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
 Wind Turbines: Induction generators are commonly used in wind energy
applications, allowing for variable speed operation.
 Backup Power Systems: AC generators are essential for providing emergency power
during outages.

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8. CONCLUSION

The investigation highlights the critical role of AC generators in modern electrical systems.
Understanding their operational principles and efficiency factors is vital for improving
performance, particularly in renewable energy applications. Future developments in generator
technology may lead to even more efficient systems, contributing to a more sustainable
energy landscape.

9. REFERENCES

1. Hughes, I. & Hiley, D. (2013). Electric Motors and Drives: Fundamentals, Types and
Applications. Newnes.
2. Fitzpatrick, A. (2019). Principles of Electric Machines with Power Electronics.
Wiley.
3. Faraday, M. (1831). "Experimental Researches in Electricity."

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