DC generators, also known as dynamos, are electrical machines that convert mechanical energy into direct current (DC) electrical energy. They work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a magnetic field is created by a rotating armature inside a stationary magnetic field. The armature is connected to a commutator, which is a set of copper segments that switch the polarity of the current as the armature rotates. This creates a constant DC output voltage. DC generators can be classified into two main types: separately excited and self-excited. Separately excited generators have a separate source of DC current to excite the field winding, while self-excited generators use the output voltage to excite the field winding. Self-excited generators can be further classified into shunt, series, and compound generators, depending on the way the field winding is connected to the armature. DC generators have many applications, including in power plants, electric vehicles, and portable generators. They are also commonly used in industrial and laboratory settings for testing and experimentation.
dynamos, electromagnetic induction, commutator, separately excited, self-excited, shunt, series, compound
CITATION : "Andrew Smith. 'DC Generators.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=374954 (Accessed on July 18, 2025)"
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