In a DC generator, a split ring or a commutator is used to make the flow of current in directional in the external circuit. Split ring are made out of a conducting cylinder which is cut into two waves or segment insulated from eacg other by a thin sheet of mica or some other insulating materials.

Essential Parts of Practical DC Generator

I. Mechanical

a. Yoke

b. Pole Core and Pole Shoes

c. Armature Core

II. Electrical

a. Pole Coils or Field Coils

b. Armature Windings or Conductors

c. Commutators

d. Brushes and Bearing

Brush – collects currents from the commutator.

Dynamo – is a rotating machine that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy or the reverses process electrical to mechanical energy.

DC Dynamo Construction and Armature Winding

Field Coils or Pole Coils - Consist of copper wire on a ship

Armature Core - Houses the armature conductors or coils and causes them to rotate and hence cuts the magnetic flux of the field magnets.

Armature Winding - Are usually prewound in the form of flat rectangular coils and other pulled in to proper shape in a coil puller.

Brushes - Its function is to collect current from the commutator and is usually made of carbon and is in the shape of a rectangular block.

Pole Pitch - The distance between to adjacent poles or it is equal to the number of armature conductors or pole.