Question 301Electricity & Electronics - Assistant Engineer

70% to pass

What is the purpose of the commutator and brushes on a DC generator?

Aprovide a sliding contact method to excite the field
Btransfer generated direct current voltage from the armature to the line
Cconvert the alternating current voltage generated within the armature to a direct current voltage
Dreduce sparking between the armature and the carbon brushes
AI Explanation

The correct answer is C) Convert the alternating current voltage generated within the armature to a direct current voltage. The commutator and brushes on a DC generator serve to convert the alternating current (AC) voltage generated within the armature winding into a direct current (DC) voltage that can be supplied to the external circuit. As the armature rotates, the commutator segments reverse the connection of the armature windings to the brushes, effectively rectifying the AC voltage to DC. The other options are incorrect because: A) the field excitation is provided by a separate field winding, not the commutator; B) the commutator and brushes are responsible for converting the AC to DC, not just transferring the generated voltage; and D) the commutator and brushes are designed to minimize sparking, not increase it.

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