Convert DC to AC: 2 Simple Ways & Other Ideas

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), exploring both historical and modern techniques. Participants share various ideas, including theoretical approaches and practical applications, while also considering different types of AC waveforms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Historical
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a motor to spin a loop of wire in a magnetic field to generate AC, questioning if there are simpler methods.
  • Another participant points out that generating a simple square wave from DC is easier than approximating a sine wave.
  • There is mention of piezoelectric crystals vibrating in a magnetic field when DC is applied, proposed as a potential method for AC generation.
  • Historical methods such as vibrator power supplies and dynamotors are discussed, highlighting their use in converting DC to AC before the advent of solid-state electronics.
  • One participant shares their experience with modern inverters that convert DC to AC, specifically mentioning a Magnum inverter used in a solar power system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and ideas for converting DC to AC, but there is no consensus on a single best approach. The discussion includes competing views on the simplicity and effectiveness of different techniques.

Contextual Notes

Some participants seek clarification on the types of AC being discussed, indicating that the complexity of the waveform (square vs. sine) affects the methods considered. There are also references to historical technologies that may not be widely known today.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring electrical engineering, power conversion technologies, or historical methods of electricity generation.

lonely_nucleus
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I know 2 simple ways to convert AC into DC: Wheatestone bridge with diode is one

the other is increasing the number of loops in magnetic field in DC power generation.

Is there a simple way to convert DC into AC? I suppose a motor could spin a loop of wire without a commutator in a magnetic field so that the loop of wire outputs AC but are there any more simple ways?

Another idea is a piezoelectric crystal with conductor on it vibrating in a magnetic field when dc current is applied to it?

I appreciate any responses
 
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lonely_nucleus said:
Is there a simple way to convert DC into AC?
What kind of AC? A simple square wave is easy, an approximation to a sine wave is more difficult.
 
Svein said:
What kind of AC? A simple square wave is easy, an approximation to a sine wave is more difficult.
Can you tell me how both are formed?
 
Back in the days before solid state electronics we used vibrator power supplies to convert 12V DC to AC to operate mobile radios. There is also an apparatus called a dynamotor which is a combination of a DC motor and an AC generator these were used a lot by the military and during the 50s and 60s could be found in surplus stores. My Dad had a very small one that ran on 12V DC and would put out 110V AC that he used to run an electric shaver when we went camping. Now days there are many inverters on the market. I use a Magnum that puts out a pure sine wave at 24V DC in and 120/240V AC out rated at 4000 watts continuous as part of my solar power system.
 
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Sun E Man said:
Back in the days before solid state electronics we used vibrator power supplies to convert 12V DC to AC to operate mobile radios. There is also an apparatus called a dynamotor which is a combination of a DC motor and an AC generator these were used a lot by the military and during the 50s and 60s could be found in surplus stores. My Dad had a very small one that ran on 12V DC and would put out 110V AC that he used to run an electric shaver when we went camping. Now days there are many inverters on the market. I use a Magnum that puts out a pure sine wave at 24V DC in and 120/240V AC out rated at 4000 watts continuous as part of my solar power system.
awesome, thanks for the cool information.
 

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