Question

Why do power stations generate AC, not DC?

Answer 1

Alternating current:

1. An alternating current is an electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time in contrast to a direct current that flows only in one direction.

Direct current:

1. A flow of charge that always flows in one direction is known as a direct current.

Power stations generate AC, not DC:

Power plants prefer using AC generators over DC generators for the following reasons: -

1. Electricity is produced by electromagnetic induction in both AC and DC generators.
2. However, the method used to produce the current is different, a DC generator produces a direct current that travels in one direction, whereas an AC generator generates an alternating current that periodically reverses the direction of the current.
3. AC voltage is more efficient than DC voltage, and there is little energy lost when transmitting it over long distances with the aid of a step-up transformer.
4. Its voltage can be stepped up and stepped down as per the need by using step up and step down transform respectively.
5. Compared to DC, AC is more cost-effective and simpler.

Hence, due to the above reasons power stations generate AC, not DC.