Difference between AC and DC Current Explained On video

 

Difference between AC and DC Current Explained ON VIDEO

Electric current is the result of the movement of free electrons in a conductive body. Depending on the direction these electrons take, the current is then referred to as direct current or alternating current. Find out more precisely what these terms mean, what are their differences and how they are used.

Alternating current
The alternating current, also called sinusoidal, is an electrical impulse which circulates in one direction then in another. The electrical charges it carries are equal and the circulation intervals are regular. The frequency of alternating current is measured in hertz (Hz). It represents the number of direction changes made by the current in one second. In France, the frequency used is 50 Hz.

To function, alternating current, which can be single-phase or three-phase, needs an alternator. Driven by energy such as water or wind, its turbine will create current to produce electricity. This is achieved by power plants.

 Distributed by the network of high voltage lines, the alternating current is sent to the electrical transformers. From there, the voltage and current are lowered so that the current is distributed in the homes. Impossible to store, this energy is consumed in real time by homes, buildings and everything connected to the traditional electrical network via the electrical outlets present in the home. Thanks to the capacity mechanism, the electricity supply is guaranteed and secure, without interruption.

 Direct current
Unlike its cousin alternating current, direct current flows in only one direction, from the positive pole to the negative (or from a negative terminal to the positive). This type of current is produced by the chemical activity of a generator, such as a cell or battery. It can also be produced by a photoelectric effect which is generated by photovoltaic panels.

Following the chemical or photoelectric reaction, the negative electrons are released and move in the conductive body that makes up the electrical circuit. When electrons meet a bulb, in the case of a light circuit, the filaments of the bulb are heated to produce light.

Although alternating current is currently the most widely used, direct current is proving interesting for future uses. This is particularly the case with that produced by photovoltaic power plants, which draw energy from the sun and return it in the form of electrical energy. In order to integrate this production into the distribution network, an inverter is used, which converts direct current into alternating current.

This opens up a world of new electricity and supplies that are much more environmentally friendly than nuclear electricity, which is still mostly used today. This is how car manufacturers will be able to develop more efficient electric cars that will adapt to both types of currents.

Energy providers are increasingly turning to renewable alternatives. These allow you to save money, but also to consume clean energy. At TotalEnergies, we offer you the green offer, which allows you to benefit from wind and solar electricity.

 While alternating current and direct current are completely different, they both play an important role in the production of electricity. In the future, they will complement each other to provide cleaner energies.

 

Difference between AC and DC Current Explained ON VIDEO

Electric current is the result of the movement of free electrons in a conductive body. Depending on the direction these electrons take, the current is then referred to as direct current or alternating current. Find out more precisely what these terms mean, what are their differences and how they are used.

Alternating current
The alternating current, also called sinusoidal, is an electrical impulse which circulates in one direction then in another. The electrical charges it carries are equal and the circulation intervals are regular. The frequency of alternating current is measured in hertz (Hz). It represents the number of direction changes made by the current in one second. In France, the frequency used is 50 Hz.

To function, alternating current, which can be single-phase or three-phase, needs an alternator. Driven by energy such as water or wind, its turbine will create current to produce electricity. This is achieved by power plants.

 Distributed by the network of high voltage lines, the alternating current is sent to the electrical transformers. From there, the voltage and current are lowered so that the current is distributed in the homes. Impossible to store, this energy is consumed in real time by homes, buildings and everything connected to the traditional electrical network via the electrical outlets present in the home. Thanks to the capacity mechanism, the electricity supply is guaranteed and secure, without interruption.

 Direct current
Unlike its cousin alternating current, direct current flows in only one direction, from the positive pole to the negative (or from a negative terminal to the positive). This type of current is produced by the chemical activity of a generator, such as a cell or battery. It can also be produced by a photoelectric effect which is generated by photovoltaic panels.

Following the chemical or photoelectric reaction, the negative electrons are released and move in the conductive body that makes up the electrical circuit. When electrons meet a bulb, in the case of a light circuit, the filaments of the bulb are heated to produce light.

Although alternating current is currently the most widely used, direct current is proving interesting for future uses. This is particularly the case with that produced by photovoltaic power plants, which draw energy from the sun and return it in the form of electrical energy. In order to integrate this production into the distribution network, an inverter is used, which converts direct current into alternating current.

This opens up a world of new electricity and supplies that are much more environmentally friendly than nuclear electricity, which is still mostly used today. This is how car manufacturers will be able to develop more efficient electric cars that will adapt to both types of currents.

Energy providers are increasingly turning to renewable alternatives. These allow you to save money, but also to consume clean energy. At TotalEnergies, we offer you the green offer, which allows you to benefit from wind and solar electricity.

 While alternating current and direct current are completely different, they both play an important role in the production of electricity. In the future, they will complement each other to provide cleaner energies.