In an excitation system, which component carries the field current to the rotor via slip rings?

In an excitation system, which component carries the field current to the rotor via slip rings?

• A. Regulator
• B. Brushes
• C. Rectifier
• D. Stator

Answer: (B)

Delivering excitation current to a spinning rotor requires a sliding electrical contact. The rotor’s field winding is connected to slip rings on the rotor, and stationary circuits feed those rings through carbon brushes that press against them. The brushes provide the actual path for DC current to reach the rotating field winding while the rotor turns. The regulator controls how much current is delivered, and the rectifier converts the supply to the appropriate DC level, but the physical carrier of the current to the rotor via the slip rings is the brushes. The stator remains stationary and does not carry the rotor’s field current.

Delivering excitation current to a spinning rotor requires a sliding electrical contact. The rotor’s field winding is connected to slip rings on the rotor, and stationary circuits feed those rings through carbon brushes that press against them. The brushes provide the actual path for DC current to reach the rotating field winding while the rotor turns. The regulator controls how much current is delivered, and the rectifier converts the supply to the appropriate DC level, but the physical carrier of the current to the rotor via the slip rings is the brushes. The stator remains stationary and does not carry the rotor’s field current.