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A capacitor is a necessary component for most electronic and electric gadgets and it plays a crucial role in completing the circuit for use in daily life applications.
You will hear about the application of a capacitor in your fans, electric motors, washing machines, dryers, and many other tools of daily use that are common even to the masses.
The usage of capacitors is so prevalent that even laymen and non-technical persons are aware of their functions, applications, sizes, and even to a certain extent the types of capacitors.
You may get to hear that the capacitor of your fan is not working from your roommates or family members who don’t have a little bit of technical knowledge and expertise.
What makes capacitor usage so famous? Or why are they used? To know these answers you need to know the functions of a capacitor that justifies the hype and significance of capacitors.
Capacitors are very simplistic and easy to recognize. When can recognize it in a single glance and are also very conveniently replaced with a few instructions to be given attention?
Generally, capacitors are energy-storing devices that are used for improving the power factor in your gadgets. As we have said that capacitors are most typically heard in fans and other electric appliances the application of capacitors here would be to increase the speed of the fans and give them a steady start.
Capacitors are also used for filtering electric and electronic circuits. Now, without any further ado, let us proceed with the functions of capacitors in a generator. But before that let’s quickly summarize the functions of a capacitor in general electric and electronic circuits.
Table of Contents
What Is The Function Of A Capacitor?
Given below are the general functions of a capacitor that are the reasons for using them in electronic and electric circuits.
Storing Electric Energy:
The very first and foremost function of a capacitor is energy storage. This is the main reason why capacitors are used in electric circuits. The capacitors are very quick to charge gadgets and the same goes for their recharging.
It can charge itself within a few seconds and will also be emptied in seconds. Thus it can store electric energy for a brief moment that is sufficient enough to provide the electric charge for starting the motor function of that device.
In simple words, capacitors provide the raw material for current to be passed to the circuit after storing the electric charge for a while.
Regulates The Voltage:
The second most crucial role or function of a capacitor in an electric or electronic circuit is to regulate the voltage. Having a steady voltage is necessary for the smooth running of any electric device.
If the voltage keeps on changing the current level will differ greatly leading to short circuits and great damage to the device. The device may get burned due to overheating or high resistance in case of low current flow.
The capacitor regulates the voltage by opposing the fluctuations in the voltage. It maintains a voltage level equal to that of the inductor.
Inductor will not pass the differing value of current and thus capacitor will keep the voltage steady at the same value.
In homes, the standard voltage is 120 and thus capacitor will ensure all your electric gadgets receive a 120-voltage power supply even when the voltage from the grid supply is fluctuating.
Capacitive Impedance:
Another significant function of the capacitor is to give capacitive impedance to the circuit be it electric or electronic.
This capacitive impedance is a certain level that is necessary for the smooth flow of current as it acts as the warden regulating the flow.
Leading Current:
The capacitor is the tool to draw the electric charge and this will help in drawing the leading current that will be responsible for initiating the operation of your electric device.
What Is The Function Of A Capacitor In A Generator?
Now, that you are aware of the typical functions a capacitor performs in any circuit, you can easily understand the role it plays in generators. Capacitors don’t do all the jobs in a single circuit and are used for specific reasons one or two at a time.
In a generator, a capacitor is used for the following purposes
- To maintain the level of magnetizing current
- To decouple the power supply
- To filter the feedback chain
- Regulates the voltage of grid power and generator power supply
Conclusion:
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