Synchronous Generators (Alternators)
The synchronous generator or alternator is an electrical machine that converts the
mechanical power from a prime mover into an AC electrical power at a particular voltage
and frequency. The synchronous motor always runs at a constant speed called
synchronous speed.
Working Principle of Synchronous Generator
The synchronous generator works on the principle of Faraday laws of electromagnetic
induction. Electromagnetic induction states that electromotive force induced in the
armature coil if it is rotating in the uniform magnetic field. The EMF will also be generated
if the field rotates and the conductor becomes stationary. Thus, the relative motion
between the conductor and the field induces the EMF in the conductor. The wave shape
of the induced voltage is always a sinusoidal curve.
Construction of Synchronous Generator
The rotor and stator are the rotating and the stationary part of the synchronous generator.
They are the power generating components of the synchronous generator. The rotor has
the field pole, and the stator consists of the armature conductor. The relative motion
between the rotor and the stator induces the voltage between the conductor.
Applications of Synchronous Generator
An alternator is a type of electric generator used in modern automobiles to charge the
battery and to power the electrical system when its engine is running.
Alternator (Automobile)
Even though the car's battery gets all the credit for powering electrical systems, the truth
is that the alternator provides the energy while the vehicle is running. Internally an
alternator produces alternating current (or voltage). But automotive alternators have
built-in rectifier diodes.
Typical passenger car and light truck alternators are rated around 50–70 A, though higher
ratings are becoming more common, especially as there is more load on the vehicle's
electrical system with air conditioning, electric power steering and other electrical
systems. Very large alternators used on buses, heavy equipment or emergency vehicles
may produce 300 A. Semi-trucks usually have alternators which output 140 A. Very large
alternators may be water-cooled or oil-cooled.
Alternator (Power System)
The three-phase synchronous generators have many advantages in generation,
transmission, and distribution. The large synchronous generators use in the nuclear,
thermal, and hydropower system for generating the voltages.
The synchronous generator with 100MVA power rating uses in the generating station.
The 500MVA power rating transformer use in the super thermal power stations. The
synchronous generators are the primary source of electrical power. For the heavy power
generation, the stator of the synchronous generator design for voltage ratings between
6.6 kV to 33 kV.
Video Presentation
Working Principle of Alternators