Question

Briefly explain the use of commutator in D.C Generator.

Answer 1

The commutation in DC machine or more specifically commutation in DC generator is the process in which generated alternating current in the armature winding of a dc machine is converted into direct current after going through thecommutator and the stationary brushes.

principle of operation

commutator consists of a set of contact bars fixed to the rotating shaft of a machine, and that is connected to the armature windings. As the shaft rotates, the commutator reverses flow of current in a winding. For a single armature winding, when the shaft has made one-half complete turn, the winding is now connected so that current flows through it in the opposite of the initial direction. In a motor, the armature current causes the fixed magnetic field to exerts a rotational force, or a torque on the winding to make it turn. In a generator, the mechanical torque applied to the shaft maintains the motion of the armature winding through the stationary magnetic field, inducing a current in the winding. In both the motor and generator case, the commutator periodically reverses the direction of current flow through the winding so that current flow in the circuit external to the machine continues in only one direction.