AC TO DC POWER CONVERSION
One bridge. Both halves of the waveform.
Nexus Magnetic generators naturally produce alternating current as the rotor's magnetic field passes the stator coils. A full-wave bridge rectifier routes both halves of that AC waveform in the same direction, creating a pulsating DC output for charging experiments, DC loads, and downstream power electronics.
Inside the bridge, four diodes automatically steer current so the positive and negative DC terminals keep the same polarity even while the generator's AC polarity reverses. This makes the rectifier a compact, reliable interface between our generators and a DC system.
HOW IT CONNECTS
From rotating generator to DC output
Generate AC
The moving rotor induces alternating voltage in the stator coils.
Connect the bridge
Connect the generator leads to the two bridge terminals marked with the AC symbol (~).
Use the DC output
Take power from the + and − terminals, observing polarity at the load or charge controller.
FULL-WAVE BRIDGE SCHEMATIC
How four diodes keep DC polarity consistent
The generator connects to the two AC inputs. During each half-cycle, a different pair of diodes conducts, but current through the load continues in the same direction from DC+ to DC−.
Positive half-cycle
One diagonal diode pair conducts and directs current to the DC+ terminal, through the load, and back through DC−.
Negative half-cycle
The opposite diode pair conducts. Although the generator polarity has reversed, load current still travels from DC+ to DC−.
Pulsating DC output
The bridge flips the negative half of the waveform upward. A capacitor can reduce ripple, but it does not control charging voltage or current.
SAFE BATTERY CHARGING
Regulate the rectified output before it reaches a battery
Generator speed and load can cause rectified voltage to vary widely. Place a suitable voltage regulator or, preferably, a dedicated charge controller between the rectifier and battery. It must support the battery chemistry, nominal voltage, maximum charge current, and required charge profile.
- Lead-acid: Use a controller with the correct bulk, absorption, and float settings.
- Lithium or sodium-ion: Use a chemistry-specific charger plus the required battery-management system (BMS); never rely on the bridge or a basic fixed regulator alone.
- System protection: Include correctly sized wiring, heat management, current limiting, reverse-current protection when needed, and a fuse close to the battery positive terminal.
- Voltage headroom: Confirm the generator can maintain enough voltage under load for the controller to operate without exceeding its input rating at maximum speed.
DESIGNED FOR GENERATOR PROJECTS
Choose the bridge for the real load
The bridge rectifier must be rated above the generator's highest expected open-circuit voltage and load current. Allow additional headroom for speed changes, startup surges, heat, and unexpected load conditions.
- Voltage rating: Use a reverse-voltage rating safely above the generator's maximum AC peak.
- Current rating: Size for continuous output current with margin, not only a short bench reading.
- Heat control: Account for the voltage drop across two conducting diodes; higher-current bridges may require a heat sink.
- Output conditioning: Add a suitable capacitor, regulator, or charge controller when the DC load requires smoother or controlled voltage.