Correct formula for induced voltage with a stationary coil?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct formula for calculating induced voltage in an AC generator that features a stationary coil and rotating magnets. Participants explore the complexities of the problem, including the geometry of the setup and the nature of the magnetic field involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the correct formula for induced voltage at a specific rotation speed, expressing frustration with existing sources.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem is complicated and may require approximate solutions based on specific geometries.
  • Several formulas are mentioned, including ε=NABω sin ωt and ε=-N(ΔΦB/Δt), but there is uncertainty about the applicability of these formulas in the context of a stationary coil.
  • Concerns are raised about the need for more geometric information regarding the magnets and their dimensions to derive a suitable formula.
  • One participant proposes that a careful mathematical description of the magnetic field produced by the magnets and the application of Maxwell's equations may be necessary.
  • Another participant emphasizes that there may not be a simple formula, suggesting that experimentation could be more beneficial than calculation.
  • A back-of-envelope estimate is mentioned, indicating that the voltage may vary with the load applied and that the induced voltage could be approximated as a sine wave based on the frequency of rotation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of a straightforward formula for induced voltage, with some suggesting that the complexity of the setup makes it difficult to derive a simple answer. There is no consensus on a definitive formula or approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the information provided, particularly regarding the geometry of the magnets and the coil, which affects the derivation of the equations. The discussion highlights the dependence on specific configurations and the challenges posed by a rotating magnetic field.

NickS1
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I'm making an AC generator with a stationary coil and rotating magnets. What would be the correct formula to find induced voltage at a certain rotation speed (along with the units)? All sources I've found are either non-applicable or do not explain what units to use.

Thank you for the help.
 
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The one that tells you the rate that the magnetic flux enclosed by the coil changes.
Stationary coil and rotating permanent magnets is a complicated problem ... you can probably get approximate solutions for specific geometries so what kind of generator are you thinking of building?
 
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Simon Bridge said:
The one that tells you the rate that the magnetic flux enclosed by the coil changes.
Stationary coil and rotating permanent magnets is a complicated problem ... you can probably get approximate solutions for specific geometries so what kind of generator are you thinking of building?
A 4.5" tube that's 1/2" thick, with 1,000 wraps of 30 gauge magnet wire around that. Two neodymium disk magnets spin inside of the tube (magnetized on the face, less than 2/5" from the center of the magnet to the inside of the tube.
 
Not enough information ...
 
Simon Bridge said:
Not enough information ...
What other information is needed?

Edit:
I know of the formula ε=NABω sin ωt , but I do not know what unit B is, other than that it is the B field. This equation doesn't seem to make sense in the context of a stationary coil, however.

I also know the formula ε=-N(ΔΦBt) , where Φ≡BA cos θ
B calls for a uniform magnetic field, which doesn't work in the context of a rotating field. (I also do not know θ)
 
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You need more geometry - for instance, how are the magnets turning in the coil?How strong are they? What are their dimensions? etc.
The key to the equation is the model you use for the geometry of the magnetic field of the permanent magnets.
The equation will need to be derived too - unless your design corresponds to a very common one.
 
Simon Bridge said:
You need more geometry - for instance, how are the magnets turning in the coil?How strong are they? What are their dimensions? etc.
The key to the equation is the model you use for the geometry of the magnetic field of the permanent magnets.
The equation will need to be derived too - unless your design corresponds to a very common one.
1" diameter 1/4" thick N52 grade neodymium magnets, with a surface field of 3309 Gauss. They are both attached 1.68" from the very center of the coil. How would I go about deriving such a formula?
 
By making a careful mathematical description of the ##\vec B(\vec r, t)## field produced by the magnets and applying Maxwell's equations.
You'll probably model the magnets as dipoles - and you still have not got enough geometry for them or how they are set to rotate.

ie. Is this a toroidal coil and the magnets slide round and round the inside?
 
Simon Bridge said:
By making a careful mathematical description of the ##\vec B(\vec r, t)## field produced by the magnets and applying Maxwell's equations.
You'll probably model the magnets as dipoles - and you still have not got enough geometry for them or how they are set to rotate.

ie. Is this a toroidal coil and the magnets slide round and round the inside?
It is not a toroidal coil, the wire is wrapped on like fishing line is wrapped on. If I am interpreting you correctly, the magnets do slide around like you describe. They rotate on a pivot that is perpendicular to the plane of the "circle:" the wire is wrapped on.
 
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@NickS1 I think the better answer is that there is no simple formula. The voltage of a generator also depends on the load applied.

Your time might be better spent building and experimenting rather than calculating.
 
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  • #11
Then you can get a back-of envelope estimate because you know the B field reverses every half turn.
The 1st order approx will be a sine wave with the freqeuncy as the turn rate and the amplitude determined from the estimate.
This sort of thing is usually good enough to start building from, then you can refine the design from experimentation.
 

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