Which component is primarily responsible for collecting voltage in AC generators?

In AC generators, the component primarily responsible for collecting voltage is the slip rings. Slip rings provide a continuous electrical connection to the rotating part of the generator, allowing the current generated by the rotor (the moving part of the generator that rotates in a magnetic field) to be transferred to the external circuit without interruption.

As the rotor spins, it induces alternating current in the coils of wire wound around it, thanks to electromagnetic induction. The slip rings, which are mounted on the rotor, maintain contact with stationary brushes that remain in place as the rotor turns. This design enables the smooth and continuous transfer of electrical energy generated by the rotor to the external load.

While the rotor plays a crucial role in generating the voltage, it is the slip rings that enable the collection of that voltage for practical use. Other components, like the commutator, are associated with direct current generators, making the distinction between these types essential. In contrast, the stator, which is the stationary part of the generator, houses the coils that interact with the rotor to produce the magnetic field but does not collect the generated voltage itself.