DC Generator

An electric generator is a machine which converts mechanical energy (power) into electrical
energy (or power). The energy conservation is based on the principle of dynamically induced
e.m.f. This principle is nothing but the Faradays law of electromagnetic induction. It states that
Whenever a conductor cuts the magnetic flux , an e.m.f. is induced in that conductor,
and it will causes a current to flow if the conductor circuit is closed. The direction of induced
e.m.f. (and hence current) is given by Flemings right hand rule.
The Right Hand Rule shows how a current-carrying wire generates a
magnetic field. It is used to determine the direction of e.m.f. induced
in a conductor

The fore finger represent the direction of magnetic field

The thumb represent the direction of motion of the conductor
The middle finger will indicate the direction of the inducted
e.m.f.

The DC generator requires essentially the following components. They are i) A magnetic field, ii)
conductor (or) group of conductor, and iii) motion of conductor with respect to magnetic field.
In DC generator the magnetic field is stationary while the conductors move. On the other hand in
an AC generator, the conductors are stationary and magnetic field moves. In either case, the
magnetic flux is cut and the voltage is induced in the conductor.
Construction details of DC Machine
A Direct Current machine can be used as a generator or motor. When the machine is driven by a
prime mover it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and is called a generator. It the
electrical energy is supplied to it, it works as a motor and the conservation is electrical to
mechanical. Therefore the constructional details of a DC generator and a DC motor are the same.
The DC machine has the following parts.
i) yoke ii) Field systems pole cores, pole shoes, field coils iii) Armature armature core,
armature windings, commutator. iv) Brushes, bearings, end covers, shaft, terminal box, etc..
Yoke: The yoke is the outer cover of a dc machine. It is made up of cast iron or steel. It not only
provides mechanical strength to the whole assembly but also carries the magnetic flux produced
by the field winding.
Field Poles: Each pole is divided into two parts namly, Poles or pole core and pole
shoes: Poles are joined to the yoke with the help of bolts or welding. It is made up of magnetic

material like cast iron or cast steel. They carry field winding which is necessary to produce the
flux. Pole shoes are attached to poles. Pole shoes serve two purposes; (i) they support field coils
and (ii) spread out the flux in air gap uniformly.
Field winding: They are usually made of copper. The field winding is placed over each poles and
all these are connected in series. It is responsible for producing the required working flux in the
air gap.
Armature: it is further divided into two parts namely, armature core and armature winding
Armature core: Armature core is the rotor (or rotating part) of the machine. It is cylindrical in
shape with slots on its outer periphery to carry armature winding. The armature is built up of thin
laminated circular steel disks for reducing eddy current losses. The thickness of each lamination
is about 0.5mm. Armature is mounted on the shaft.
Armature Winding: the armature winding is placed on slots available in the armature surface.
Former wound copper coils are used as armature winding. The ends of the coils are joined with
the commutator segments. Two types of winding are mostly employed in armature lap winding
or wave winding.
Lab winding: used in machines designed for low voltage and high current. No of parallel path,
A=P ; P = no. of poles
Wave Winding: Used in machines designed for high voltage and low current. No of parallel path,
A=2,
Commutator and brushes: Physical connection
to the armature winding is made through a
commutator-brush arrangement.
The function of a commutator, in a dc generator,
is to collect the current generated in armature
conductors. Whereas, in case of a dc motor,
commutator helps in providing current to the
armature conductors. A commutator consists of
a set of copper segments which are insulated
from each other.
Brushes are usually made from carbon or
graphite. They rest on commutator segments and slide on the segments.

when the commutator rotates keeping the physical contact to collect or supply the
current.