DC Generator

A dc generator is an electrical machine which converts mechanical energy into di

rect current electricity. This energy conversion is based on the principle of pr
oduction of dynamically induced emf. This article outlines the basics of constru
ction and working of a DC generator.
Construction Of A DC Generator:
Note: A DC generator can be used as a DC motor without any constructional change
s. Thus, a DC generator or a DC motor can be broadly termed as a DC machine. The
se basic constructional details are also valid for a DC motor. Hence, let's call
this point as construction of a DC machine.

constructiona details of a dc genrator / a four pole dc machine

Above figure shows the constructional details of a simple 4-pole DC generator. A
DC generator consists two basic parts, stator and rotor. Basic constructional p
arts of a DC generator are described below.
Yoke: The outer frame of a generator or motor is called as yoke. Yoke is made up
of cast iron or steel. Yoke provides mechanical strength for whole assembly of
the generator (or motor). It also carries the magnetic flux produced by the pole
s.
Poles: Poles are joined to the yoke with the help of screws or welding. Poles a
re to support field windings. Field winding is wound on poles and connected in
series or parallel with armature winding or sometimes separately.
Pole shoe: Pole shoe is an extended part of the pole which serves two purposes,
(i)to prevent field coils from slipping and (ii)to spread out the flux in air ga
p uniformly.
armature core of a DC generator
Armature core (rotor)
Armature core: Armature core is the rotor of a generator. Armature core is cylin
drical in shape on which slots are provided to carry armature winding. Armature
winding can be wound by one of the two methods known as lap winding and wave win
ging. You can learn more about armature winding here.
Commutator and brushes: As emf is generated in the armature conductors terminals
must be taken out to make use of generated emf. But we can't directly solder wi
res to commutator conductors, cause the commutator conductors will be rotating a
nd the wires will get twisted and break. Thus commutator is connected to the arm
ature conductors and mounted on the same shaft as that of armature core. Conduct
ing brushes rest on commutator and they slides over when rotor (hence commutator
) rotates. Thus brushes are physically in contact with armature conductors hence
wires can be connected to brushes.

Magnetic Field
A permanent magnet produces a magnetic field through which the coil is rotated.
Many large DC generators use a field coil instead of a magnet to produce the mag
netic field.
Armature
The armature rotates through the magnetic field, cutting the lines of magnetic f
orce. This produces an electric current within the armature coil.
Commutator
The commutator is attached to the coil. In a simple DC generator, this is a pair
of split rings. The commutator transfers the current from the wire coil to the
brushes. In a DC generator, the commutator keeps the current at the brushes posi

tive.
Brushes
The brushes are in constant contact with the commutator and are attached to the
wires leading from the generator. The commutator spins while the brushes remain
stationary, transferring current from the commutator.
Shaft
The shaft transfers mechanical energy to the generator and turns the coil throug
h the magnetic field. The shaft may be turned by a turbine that operates with wa
ter, steam or air, or by other means

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