Introduction

Alternating current (AC) is the flow of electric charge

whose magnitude changes continuously with time and its
direction reverses periodically. Most of the electric power
generated and used worldwide is in the form of
alternating current.

In most electric circuits, the waveform of AC is a sine

wave, whose positive half corresponds with the positive
direction and the negative half corresponds to the
negative direction of the current. It is represented as –

Where i is the magnitude of current at any instant of

time t, i0 is the maximum value of AC (amplitude) and ω
is the angular frequency of AC.

Properties of AC
• An alternating current is an electric current that
changes its direction in specific time intervals.
 • Alternating current and voltage can be increased or
decreased with the help of a transformer, and hence
it is used on a large scale.

• The waveform of the AC cycle is similar to that of

a sine curve.

• This is the main type of current used in businesses

and residences.

• AC is more dangerous than DC as AC with less

frequency is more dangerous than DC having the
same voltage level.

• AC at high frequency is dangerous as the current

flows on the surface of the wire.

Generation of Alternating Current

• AC is primarily generated using rotating machines

called alternators or generators. These machines
utilize the principle of electromagnetic induction to
convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The
basic components of an alternator include:
• Stator: The stationary part of the alternator,
containing windings that produce the AC output .
The stator core comprises a lamination of steel
 alloys or magnetic iron to minimise the eddy current
losses.
• Rotor: The rotating part of the alternator, carrying
magnetic poles that create a changing magnetic field
• Excitation system: Provides a DC current to the rotor
windings, creating the magnetic field
• As the rotor rotates, the magnetic field cuts through
the stator windings, inducing an alternating current.
The frequency of the generated AC is directly
proportional to the speed of rotation. The power grid
in most countries operates at a standard frequency
of 50 or 60 Hz.

AC Generator- Working Principle

• An AC generator works on the principle of
electromagnetic induction. In electromagnetic induction,
an electric current or EMF is induced in the coil
when there is a relative motion between a coil and
a magnetic field.
• The magnetic flux associated with an armature
changes continually as it rotates between the poles
of the field magnet. As a result, the armature
generates an EMF. As a result, an electric current
flows through the armature and galvanometer, and
the slip rings and brushes note that the
galvanometer needle swings between negative and
positive values, indicating that the galvanometer is
receiving alternating current (AC).
Transmission of Alternating
Current
AC is typically transmitted over long distances using
high-voltage power lines. The use of high voltage
reduces the
current flow for a given amount of power, minimizing
energy losses due to resistance in the conductors.
Key aspects
of AC transmission include:
High voltage transmission: Reduces current and
power losses
Transformers: Used to step up voltage for
transmission and step down voltage for distribution
Power grid: A complex network of power lines,
transformers, and substations that deliver electricity to
consumers
Transformers play a crucial role in AC transmission
by changing the voltage levels. Step-up transformers
increase the
voltage for efficient long-distance transmission, while
step-down transformers decrease the voltage for safe
use in
homes and industries.
Advantages of AC Generators over
DC Generators
Following are a few advantages of AC generators over
DC generators:
• AC generators can be easily stepped up and
stepped down through transformers.
• The transmission link size in AC Generators is
thinner because of the step-up feature.
• Losses in AC generators are relatively lesser than in
DC machines
• The size of an AC generator is smaller than a DC
generator
Most of us begin our study with Direct Current, but
eventually, we learn that direct current is not the only
type of current we come across. There are sources of
electricity that produce voltages and currents which are
alternating in nature. This type of current is called an
alternating current or an AC.

• Easy transformation: AC voltage can be easily

stepped up or down using transformers, facilitating
efficient
• transmission and distribution.
 • Lower transmission losses: High-voltage AC
transmission minimizes power losses due to
resistance in the
• conductors.
• Compatibility with motors: AC motors are widely used
in industrial applications due to their efficiency and
• reliability.
The ability to easily transform AC voltage and its
compatibility with motors have made it the preferred
choice for large-scale power systems.

AC Waveforms and Frequency

The waveform of AC is typically sinusoidal, resembling a
wave that oscillates up and down. The frequency of AC
represents the number of complete cycles per second,
measured in Hertz (Hz). The standard frequency for power
grids in most countries is 50 or 60 Hz. In North America,
the frequency is 60 Hz, while in Europe and most other
parts of the world, it is 50 Hz.
The frequency of AC is crucial for its operation and
compatibility with various devices. Motors, for example, are
designed to operate at specific frequencies. The frequency
also affects the behaviour of components like capacitors
and inductors in AC circuits.

A resistor in an AC Circuit

If an AC circuit is fed by an alternating emf V = V0 sin

ωt and contains a pure resistance R, the current is

Therefore, in a purely resistive AC circuit, the voltage and

current are in the same phase.

A Capacitor in an AC Circuit
If an AC circuit is fed by an alternating emf V = V0 sin
ωt and contains a pure capacitance C, the current is
i = i0 sin (ωt + π/2)
Therefore, in a purely capacitive AC circuit, the voltage
phasor lags the current phasor by 90˚ or /2.

An Inductor in an AC Circuit
If an AC circuit is fed by an alternating emf V = V0 sin
ωt and contains a pure inductance L, the current is
i = i0 sin (ωt – π /2)

Therefore, in a purely capacitive AC circuit, the voltage

phasor leads the current phasor by 90˚ or /2.

Power in AC Circuits
Power in AC circuits is the rate at which electrical energy
is transferred. It can be calculated using various formulas,
considering the phase relationship between voltage and
current. Key concepts in AC power include:
• Average power: Represents the average rate of
energy transfer over a complete cycle.
• Reactive power: Represents the power that oscillates
back and forth between the source and the circuit
due to inductance and capacitance.
• Apparent power: The product of voltage and current,
representing the total power in the circuit.
• Power factor: The ratio of average power to
apparent power, indicating the efficiency of power
transfer. A powerfactor of 1 represents perfect
efficiency, while a power factor less than 1 indicates
power losses.

Applications of Alternating Current

AC is ubiquitous in modern society, powering our homes,

businesses, and industries. Its wide range of applications
includes:
Residential and commercial power supply: AC is the
primary form of electricity used in homes, offices, and
commercial buildings.
Industrial processes: AC motors drive a wide variety of
industrial machinery, from pumps and fans to conveyors
and machine tools.
Electronics: AC is used in various electronic devices,
including power supplies, transformers, and AC-to-DC
converters.
Telecommunications: AC is used in telecommunications
systems, such as radio transmission and data networks.
Transportation: AC motors are increasingly used in electric
vehicles and other forms of transportation.
The versatility and efficiency of AC make it indispensable
for numerous applications, driving technological
advancements across various sectors.

Conclusion and Future Trends

Alternating current (AC) has revolutionized the way we

generate, transmit, and utilize electrical energy. Its
advantages over direct current (DC) have made it the
dominant form of power in the world. As technology
continues to advance, AC is likely to play an even more
significant role in our lives.
Future trends in AC technology include:
Smart grid: Integration of advanced technologies to
optimize power generation, transmission, and distribution,
making the grid more efficient and resilient.
Renewable energy integration: Increasing use of AC in
renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power.
High-frequency AC: Exploring the potential of high-
frequency AC for improved efficiency and reduced losses
in electronic devices.
The future of AC is bright, with ongoing innovations and
advancements driving its continued adoption and evolution
in various applications.