What are the advantages of a DC generator?

Electric generators are very common mechanical devices. There are mainly two electric generators: AC and DC generators. The primary role of a DC generator is to supply electricity by converting mechanical energy into an electric one. DC generators are constructed by following Faraday&#;s law of electromagnetic induction. They have applications in heavy industries and machinery. The following article explains the working and advantages and disadvantages of DC generators.

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Electric Generators

Electric generators are devices used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. These generators are used to supply power to various machines and appliances. Electric generators have various applications in industries and factories to operate heavy machines. Small generators can also be used for supplying electricity to regular appliances. 

Principle

The electric generator works on the principle of Faraday&#;s law, which states that a conductor will experience an electric current once placed in an unstable environment of a strong magnetic field. Both AC and DC generators are constructed following Faraday&#;s law.

Applications of an Electric Generator

The applications of electric generators are mentioned below:

• Electric generators are used where a power supply is needed, such as in industries, areas with a power outage, and others
• They are majorly used as a backup to power shortages
• They are actively used in remote areas, construction sites, and heavy industrial machines

There are two types of electric generators:

• AC Generators
• DC Generators

Let us now understand how a DC generator works.

DC Generators

A DC generator or direct current generator is a type of electric generator; its primary function is to convert a mechanical input into a direct current electricity output. There are many advantages of DC generators.

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The Working Principle

A DC generator works based on Faraday&#;s law of electromagnetic induction. When a conductor is placed in a system of unstable or rapidly changing magnetic fields, an electromotive force is generated in the conductor; this electromagnetic force causes an electric current to flow in the system. 

Making a DC Generator

A general DC conductor consists of the followings:

1. A rectangular coil (ABCD)
2. A powerful magnet (horseshoe magnet); if two magnets are being used, it is essential to face opposite sides of the magnets to each other.
3. The coil (ABCD) is placed perpendicular to the magnet.
4. The ends of the rectangular coil (ABCD) are connected to a commutator (in this case, a split ring, let us say P and Q).
5. Two stationary brushes, X and Y, are connected with these commutators (P, Q).
6. The inner sides of the commutators are then connected with a spindle.
7. The spindle is mechanically rotated to rotate the coil (ABCD).
8. The brushes X and Y are connected with a mechanical Galvanometer to record current flow through the DC generator.

Advantages of DC Generators

Let us understand the importance of DC generators.

• The design and construction of a DC generator are simple
• They are used to operate big machines
• These generators are useful in supplying electricity to large motors
• Heavy electric devices are supplied electricity by using DC generators
• A DC generator significantly reduces the electric fluctuations in the armature and gives a continuous supply

Disadvantages of DC Generators

DC generators have several disadvantages: 

• A major disadvantage of a DC generator is that it can not be used with a transformer
• The efficiency of a DC generator is very low
• The current flowing in the generator experiences various losses such as Eddy current losses, copper losses, mechanical losses, and others
• DC generators placed at a long distance may experience major voltage drops

Conclusion

A DC generator is a mechanical device that converts a mechanical input into an electric output, and this device is used to generate electricity. The DC generator has multiple applications in general usage, supply appliances, and operating heavy machines in factories. The DC generator follows Faraday&#;s law as its working principle. There are many advantages of DC generators; for instance, these machines have less fluctuations in their outputs and are suitable for big machines. However, DC generators have some disadvantages: they can not be used with a transformer and may experience voltage drops.

Post by rock » Tue Nov 07, 6:53 am

Just a note that if you do purchase one of these units make sure it has FILTERED output if you intend on running it thru a devise like the MX60.

Things I have learned about my unit (ALPHAGEN)
1) Due to codes it has a fan that runs 24/7 to keep gas vapors from building up and causing the gas detector to disable the unit. The fan is 12 volt and runs off of the starting battery. It consumes 10 watts and will cause the 48VDC to 12VDC charger to activate ALOT.

2) Cold weather starting is non-existiant without a cold start kit, which is basically a solonoid attached to a flap for a choke.

3) To date it has only been used a couple of times for 4 to 6 hours and I am not sure it would be worth $ if that is what I had to pay, it IS worth the $800 I spent for it brand new

4) It does not temp compensate battery bank but it does temp compensate the starting battery. Starting battery charger is ALWAYS on below 50 degrees F which eats up watts too 13.8 VDC at 7 amps.

5) I have NEVER had an issue with compatability with GVFX inverters. Everything works very nicely togather.

6) I have a gallon propane tank that is hooked to the unit. I noticed that minor leakage occurs at the carb. So I split the propane input line and installed a BBQ cylinder too. Now the unit is supplied 24/7 by the BBQ tank and if I have a long outage I can turn a valve and run unit off gallon tank. Its much easier to refill a BBQ tank and I do not have the condensation from the propane line from house out to the unit.

7) Generator starts itself once a month. Problem is that it just idles because batteries are always charged or it just takes a couple of seconds at 100 amps to get voltage up above 52. Its good to set sellre to less than 52 VDC and sell the generator for about 30 min. This allows the generator to be loaded and help seal and lub everything.

Just looked at the board and see 1 NEW post and 4 older posts of my AC generator is not working right! "need help setting up mate for genset" This is why DC gensets are SO NICE!Just a note that if you do purchase one of these units make sure it has FILTERED output if you intend on running it thru a devise like the MX60.Things I have learned about my unit (ALPHAGEN)1) Due to codes it has a fan that runs 24/7 to keep gas vapors from building up and causing the gas detector to disable the unit. The fan is 12 volt and runs off of the starting battery. It consumes 10 watts and will cause the 48VDC to 12VDC charger to activate ALOT.2) Cold weather starting is non-existiant without a cold start kit, which is basically a solonoid attached to a flap for a choke.3) To date it has only been used a couple of times for 4 to 6 hours and I am not sure it would be worth $ if that is what I had to pay, it IS worth the $800 I spent for it brand new4) It does not temp compensate battery bank but it does temp compensate the starting battery. Starting battery charger is ALWAYS on below 50 degrees F which eats up watts too13.8 VDC at 7 amps.5) I have NEVER had an issue with compatability with GVFX inverters. Everything works very nicely togather.6) I have a gallon propane tank that is hooked to the unit. I noticed that minor leakage occurs at the carb. So I split the propane input line and installed a BBQ cylinder too. Now the unit is supplied 24/7 by the BBQ tank and if I have a long outage I can turn a valve and run unit off gallon tank. Its much easier to refill a BBQ tank and I do not have the condensation from the propane line from house out to the unit.7) Generator starts itself once a month. Problem is that it just idles because batteries are always charged or it just takes a couple of seconds at 100 amps to get voltage up above 52. Its good to set sellre to less than 52 VDC and sell the generator for about 30 min. This allows the generator to be loaded and help seal and lub everything.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Dc Generator Manufacturers.