Difference Between Slip Ring and Split Ring Commutators?

Most recent answer: 07/16/2012

Q:
What is the difference between slip ring and split ring in A.C and D.C generators for which A.C and D.C are produced ?
- Sayan (age 15+)
Arambagh, West Bengal, India
A:
Dear Sayan,
I confess, I didn't know the answer.  I only knew that they both were related to commutators in motors.   So I asked Mr. Google and he told me to look at:

where it is stated:
"A split-ring commutator makes the current change direction every half-rotation, whereas a slip-ring commutator merely maintains a connection between the moving rotor and the stationary stator."

So, slip rings are useful for DC motors where the current has to change direction every half revolution whereas split rings are used to make constant current connection to a commutator, which is what you want for an AC motor.

LeeH



(published on 07/16/2012)