Direct current, ordinarily abbreviated as DC, refers to the progression of electric charge in a constant direction. As opposed to alternating current(AC), where the electric charge occasionally takes a different path, DC keeps a reliable flow in one direction. DC is regularly produced by batteries, fuel cells, and specific kinds of generators.

A type of electrical current known as direct current (DC) is one that always flows in one direction. Electric charge flows in a single direction from the positive power source terminal to the negative power source terminal in a DC circuit. Batteries, electronic devices, and certain power transmission systems.

What is DC Current?

DC stands for Direct Current, even though it is frequently called “DC Current”. DC is characterized as a unidirectional flow of electric charge. In DC, the electrons move from an area of negative charge to an area of positive charge without heading in a different path.

This is not normal for alternating current (AC) circuits, where current can flow in both directions. DC current can flow through conducting material like wire and flow through the semiconductors. A diode is a kind of semiconductor that allows the flow of current in only one direction, it is also used in rectifiers in general. There is a welding process that uses direct current to generate an electric arc, this welding process is called Direct Current Welding.

Sources of Direct Current

The battery is a good example of a DC source. In a battery, the electrical energy is created from the compound energy put away in the battery. At the point when a battery is associated with a circuit, it gives a consistent progression of charge from the adverse terminal to the positive terminal of the battery.

DC generators, Soral panels, thermocouples, DC power converters also the sources of direct current.

Invention of DC Current

The DC was first presented by Italian physicist Alessandro Volta’s battery. Around then heading of the current was not presented. French physicist Ampere offers a perspective that ongoing travel in one heading from positive to negative. In the late 19th century, three creators, Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse, and Thomas Edison battle picking the power system.

The opposition started among Edison and Tesla. Since tesla upholds the alternating current AC system and it can send the AC power over a significant distance. After this conflict, Westinghouse made the main hydroelectric generator put on Niagara Falls. Also, the champ of the ongoing conflict. From now, the AC system will be predominant over the DC system.

But now-a-days, because of more power electronics equipment, DC current is utilized to drive low-voltage power electronics devices.

Symbols of DC Current

DC Current is constant line. So the symbol of DC Current is straight line. The above figure was showing DC Current figure.

Properties of Direct Current ( DC )

• Flow of Electrons : Electrons, which are negatively charged particles, move from the negatively terminal (cathode) to the positive terminal (anode) through an outer circuit.
• Load Utilization : The progression of electrons through the circuit can power different electrical gadgets, like lights, motors, and electronic devices.

Principle of Direct Current ( DC )

The rule fundamental the generation of direct flow includes the foundation of a voltage potential that initiates a persistent flow of electric charge. This can be accomplished through components like synthetic responses in batteries or the movement of motions in an magnetic field in generators.

In a DC circuit, the electric charge flow consistently in one direction. This constant flow is administered by Ohm’s Law (V=IR), where voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) are interconnected. DC is utilized in various applications, including electronics, automotive systems, and sustainable power. It is the establishment for electric motors, where the continuous flow of current generates mechanical movement. The unit of electric current is Ampere (A).

Types of DC Circuits

• Parallel DC Circuit
• Series DC Circuit
• Series-Parallel DC Circuit

Parallel DC Circuit

An parallel DC circuit highlights parts organized in different pathways. The total current is the sum of the currents through each terminals, and each component has the same voltage across its terminals.

Series DC Circuit

Components in a series DC circuit are arranged sequentially to create a single path for the flow of current. Each component experiences the same current as the total resistance, which is the sum of its individual resistances.

Series-Parallel DC Circuit

This circuit joins components of both series and equal designs, giving numerous pathways to current while integrating series-associated parts.

How to Measure DC Current

The DC current can be measured by a multimeter. The multimeter is associated in series with the load.

The Black (COM) probe of a multimeter is associated with the negative terminal of the battery. The positive test (red probe) is associated with the load. The positive terminal of the battery is associated with the load. The association chart is displayed in the figure below:

Set the type of current DC in a multimeter. The reading shows the value of DC current streaming the load. The clamp on meter is likewise used to quantify the DC current flowing through a conductor.

Generation of DC

DC can be generated through different strategies, including:

• Batteries: Chemical reactions in batteries produce a consistent flow of electrons in a single direction, generating direct current.
• Solar Cells: Photovoltaic cells convert daylight straightforwardly into DC power. Sunlight based chargers frequently produce DC, which might be switched over completely to AC for use in homes or organizations.
• DC Power Supplies: Gadgets like rectifiers can convert alternating current (AC) to coordinate current. This is usually utilized in electronic gadgets that require a consistent DC supply.

Difference Between AC and DC