An alternating current (AC) is an electrical current whose magnitude and direction vary cyclically, as opposed to direct current, whose direction remains constant. The usual waveform of an AC power circuit is a sine wave, as this results in the most efficient transmission of energy. However in certain applications different waveforms are used, such as triangular or square waves.

Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) are the 2 main types of currents used in electrical circuits.

Advantages

Alternating current is by far the most useful type of electrical current, given that

  • it loses far less power over long electrical lines
  • it is the most used system as a result
  • given that it's the standard system used in electrical mains power, it is the most practical system to adopt in the domestic electricity system as well.[verification needed] Although power can be generated completely off-grid, there is an advantage to transfering/sell off surplus electricity to the national power companies; ie via net metering. Adopting AC power as the standard, allows the use of less equipment (ie power inverter), also there is no 10% power loss due to the use of this inverter.
  • AC power is less sluggish than DC power. This means that the power lines can be thinner to than comparable DC lines. In practice, ie 12 gauge AC wire can be used, while 10 gauge DC wire would be required. When extrapolating the wiring problem into practice ie in a lightining situation, we see that on AC, 8 lights can be powered, and only 3 on DC[1]

Disadvantages

One negative side of AC power is that many different standards have developed around the world. AC power can run at various frequencies, and some countries use other frequencies than others. The best type to use is 230V/50Hz.[2]

Use in domestic energy systems

Obviously, pure AC domestic energy systems and DC domestic energy systems can be set up. Besides this, AC-DC hybrid energy systems can also be used.

References

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Interwiki links

External links

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