The DC Generator
This is a 3-d animation. There is also a 2-D version available showing the direction of current flow.

The DC generator has a split ring commutator, and generates current in one direction only.  Note that for simplicity the brushes are not drawn in contact with the ring.
In reality the brushes are out of contact only when the gap between the split rings is aligned with them.
The current changes in size only. 

Remember that a generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy plus heat energy.

Back to Generators Page.