How does an AC Synchronous Generator Work?
Basically, an AC generator is an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of Alternating Current (AC). The basic principle behind the working of an AC synchronous generator is also Faraday's law of electrical induction, somewhat similar to the working of a DC generator.
What is an AC Synchronous Generator?
AC synchronous motor is a kind of constant-speed drive motor, whose rotor speed keeps a constant proportional relationship with the power supply frequency, and is widely used in electronic instruments and meters, modern office equipment, textile machinery, etc. A synchronous motor is an AC motor with the same stator winding as an asynchronous motor. Its rotor rotates at the same speed as the rotating magnetic field produced by the stator winding, so it is called a synchronous motor. Because of this, the current of the synchronous motor is ahead of the voltage in phase, i.e. synchronous motor is a capacitive load.
How Does a Synchronous Generator Work?
The synchronous generator working principle is the same as a DC generator. It uses Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This law states that when the flow of current is induced within the conductor in a magnetic field then there will be a relative motion among the conductor as well as the magnetic field. In a synchronous generator, the magnetic field is immobile & conductors will rotate. However, in practical construction, armature conductors are motionless & field magnets will rotate between them.
The rotor in the synchronous generator can be fixed mechanically toward the shaft to turn at synchronous speed under some mechanical force which consequences in magnetic flux cutting in the stationary armature conductors of the stator. Due to this direct flux cutting result, an induced emf and flow of current will be there in armature conductors. For each winding, there will be a current flow in the first half cycle and after that in the second half cycle with a specific time lag of 120°.
