kommutatoriga

The term "kommutatoriga" is the Estonian word for "with a commutator". In electrical engineering and physics, a commutator is a crucial component, particularly in direct current (DC) electric motors and generators. Its primary function is to reverse the direction of the electric current in the windings of the rotor at the appropriate moments during its rotation. This reversal is essential for maintaining continuous rotation in a motor or for generating a consistent DC output in a generator.

The commutator typically consists of a cylinder made of conductive material, divided into segments. Each segment is connected to a coil in the armature winding. Stationary brushes, usually made of carbon, press against the rotating commutator segments. As the rotor spins, the brushes slide from one segment to the next, effectively switching the electrical connections to the coils. This switching action ensures that the torque on the rotor is always in the same direction, allowing the motor to keep spinning. In generators, the commutator performs the reverse function, converting the alternating current (AC) produced in the armature coils into direct current (DC) at the output terminals. The design and operation of a commutator are fundamental to the functioning of many types of DC machinery.