The frequency of the alternating current generated by a synchronous generator is determined by the speed and what?

The frequency of the alternating current generated by a synchronous generator is fundamentally linked to the rotational speed of the generator and the number of poles it possesses. The relationship between these factors is described by the formula:

Frequency (in Hz) = (Speed in RPM × Number of Poles) / 120

This formula illustrates that as the rotor speed increases or the number of poles increases, the frequency of the generated AC also increases. Thus, the number of poles is a critical determinant in establishing the operational frequency of the generator.

In contrast, the number of phases is more about the configuration of the output rather than the frequency itself, and while the number of conductors might affect the overall current-carrying capacity or the output power, it does not directly influence the frequency. The voltage rating, although important for system design and safety, does not impact the frequency of generation, maintaining the focus on the interplay between speed and the number of poles.