➤ The prime mover is the component that is used to
drive the AC generator.
➤ The prime mover may be any type of rotating
machine, such as a diesel engine, a steam turbine, or a motor.
ROTOR
➤ The rotor of an AC generator is the rotating
component of the generator.
➤ The rotor is driven by the generator's prime mover,
which may be a steam turbine, gas turbine, or diesel engine. Depending on the type of generator, this component may be the armature or the field. ➤ The rotor will be the amature if the voltage output is generated there; the rotor will be the field if the field excitation is applied there. 1. 2. HYSTERESIS LOSSES: 3. MECHANICAL LOSSES
➤ Rotational or mechanical losses can be caused by bearing
friction, brush friction on the commutator, and air friction (called windage), which is caused by the air turbulence due to armature rotation.
➤ Careful maintenance can be instrumental in keeping
bearing friction to a minimum.
➤ Clean bearings and proper lubrication are essential to the
reduction of bearing friction.
➤ Brush friction is reduced by ensuring: proper brush
seating, proper brush use, and maintenance of proper brush tension.
A smooth and clean commutator also aids in the reduction of
brush friction. ➤ In very large generators, hydrogen is used within the generator for cooling; hydrogen, being less dense than air, causes less windage losses than air.
