Let’s start with a general explanation of Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) before diving into their relationship with wind turbines.
AC (Alternating Current)
Alternating Current is a type of electrical current where the flow of electric charge periodically changes direction. The current alternates between positive and negative polarity in a continuous and repeating manner. AC is the most common form of electrical power used in homes, businesses, and the majority of power distribution systems worldwide. It allows for efficient long-distance transmission and can be easily transformed to different voltage levels using transformers. AC power is characterized by its frequency, typically 50 or 60 Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of complete cycles per second.
DC (Direct Current)
Direct Current is a type of electrical current that flows in a single direction. Unlike AC, which periodically changes its direction, DC maintains a constant polarity. DC power is commonly produced by batteries, fuel cells, or rectifiers that convert AC power to DC. It is widely used in various electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and electronic circuits. Unlike AC, DC cannot be easily transformed to different voltage levels without the use of electronic converters.
Wind turbines such as Automaxx wind turbines are devices that convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. The principle involves using a rotor with blades that rotate when the wind blows. The rotation of the rotor drives a generator, which produces electrical power.
Automaxx wind turbines utilize AC generators to produce electricity. These generators consist of a rotor with a magnetic field and a stationary stator with conductive coils. As the rotor spins, it induces an alternating magnetic field in the stator coils, which, in turn, generates AC voltage and current. Electricity produced is converted to a different form (DC) for use later. AC power generated by wind turbines can be converted to DC using charge controllers or MPPT charge controllers. DC power can be transformed to AC using converters or invers for later use on a load.