Can a rectifier circuit be used in a DC motor to convert AC to DC?

  • Thread starter Thread starter theBEAST
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ac Dc
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality of a commutator in DC motors and the potential use of a rectifier circuit to convert AC to DC. Participants explore the relationship between AC and DC currents in the context of motor operation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the role of the commutator in DC motors, with some suggesting that it converts DC to AC rather than the other way around. There are inquiries about the mechanics of the commutator and its necessity for motor operation. The possibility of using a rectifier circuit in place of a commutator is also raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications and corrections regarding the function of the commutator. Some guidance has been offered regarding terminology and the mechanical aspects of the motor, but there is no explicit consensus on the use of rectifiers in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific terminology related to electrical machines, indicating a need for further clarification on the roles of components within the motor system.

theBEAST
Messages
361
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I just learned that in a DC motor you use a commutator to convert the AC current to DC. And in my other course I learned that you can convert AC current to DC using a rectifier circuit. If this is the case, why don't we use a rectifier circuit in a DC motor to convert the AC to DC?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It is the other way around. In DC motors, DC is converted to AC by the commutator. Do you understand why this is done?
 
I just learned that in a DC motor you use a commutator to convert the AC current to DC
You sure about this? Can you describe in a bit more detail what you think the commutator is doing and why ?

This isn't really homework with a 1,2 3 template, but asking for detail might help understanding the background and nature of this question.
 
voko said:
It is the other way around. In DC motors, DC is converted to AC by the commutator. Do you understand why this is done?

Oh yeah you are right, in DC motors it is the other way around. I think I get it now, you need the commutator to give AC current so that as the coil (not sure if this is the right name for the rotating object, please correct me) rotates 180 degrees, the current will flip directly to keep it rotating.

BvU said:
You sure about this? Can you describe in a bit more detail what you think the commutator is doing and why ?

This isn't really homework with a 1,2 3 template, but asking for detail might help understanding the background and nature of this question.

It is because I initially saw a video on generators found here:


In this example, could I replace the commutator with a rectifying diode circuit?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes. Definitely. Advantageous too: less mechanical wear, less sparks etc.

Beautiful video.
 
theBEAST said:
the coil (not sure if this is the right name for the rotating object, please correct me)

That is not wrong in general. There is more specific terminology for electrical machines, however. From the electrical point view, a coil would be called (part of) "armature" (note there may be more than one coil in general). From the mechanical point of view, the rotating part would be called the "rotor".
 

Similar threads

Loss of energy in DC and loss reduction in AC circuits
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Oscilloscope AC/DC Rectifier Problem
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Comparing DC to AC: Is A Always Correct?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Loss of energy and energy loss prevention in circuits
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
DC Inverters and Rectifiers: Understanding the Terminology
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Submarine noise level reduction, stealth question
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Lab Experiment: Estimate the error in these measurements of Ohm's law
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Conservation of Power in the armature circuit of a DC motor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Investigating Voltage, Capacitance & Resonance in DC/AC Circuits
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
12V DC Motor in Light Fixture with Dimmer & 12V DC to 110V AC Inverter
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K