Are Batteries AC or DC Power? What is the difference between them?

Are Batteries AC or DC Power? Before we learn the answer, let’s get to know two forms of electricity – alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Both are essential to enable the functioning of our electronic devices. But do you know the difference between them and what they are used for?

What is AC power?

Alternating current (AC) power is the standard electrical power output from a power outlet and is defined as a flow of electric charge that varies in a periodic direction.

The current of an alternating current varies between positive and negative due to electrons – the current derives from the flow of these electrons, which can move in either a positive or negative direction. This is known as a sinusoidal AC wave, and this wave is caused when an alternator in a power plant produces an alternating current.

Alternators generate alternating current by rotating a wire loop within a magnetic field. AC waves are generated when the wire moves into an area with different poles – for example, the current changes direction as the wire rotates from one pole of the magnetic field to the other. This wave-like movement means that alternating current can travel much further than direct current, which is a huge advantage when supplying power to consumers.

Are Batteries AC or DC Power?

Batteries are DC power supply, such as 12v lithium batteries, Battery Backup for Home, direct current is generated by converting alternating current into direct current through a rectifier module in the charger inside the appliance, powering the appliance or converting electrical energy into chemical energy for storage.

In life, we commonly use dry batteries, batteries, solar cells, etc. to provide direct current.

DC can come from a variety of sources, including batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, and some modified alternators. It is also possible to ‘make’ direct current from alternating current by using rectifiers that convert alternating current to direct current. Read more: Top solar battery manufacturers in China.

DC power is more consistent in terms of voltage transfer, which means that most electronic devices rely on it and use DC power sources such as batteries. Electronic devices can also use a rectifier, usually built into the device’s power supply, to convert AC power from a socket into DC power. Transformers will also be used to raise or lower the voltage to the appropriate level for the device.

However, not all electrical equipment uses DC power. Many devices, household appliances, especially lamps, washing machines, and refrigerators, use AC power, which is delivered directly from the grid via power sockets.

Which power supply is better DC or AC?

Although many of today’s electronic and electrical devices prefer DC power due to its smooth flow and uniform voltage, we could not survive without AC power. Both types of power are essential. One is not “better” than the other.

In fact, alternating current dominates the electricity market. All power outlets supply electricity to buildings in the form of AC, even where it may be necessary to convert the current to DC immediately. This is because direct current cannot be transmitted over long distances from power plants to buildings in the same way as alternating current. Generating AC electricity is also much easier than DC because of the way the generators rotate, and the system is cheaper to run overall – with AC, electricity can be easily transported through the national grid via kilometers of wires and pylons. 

DC is primarily useful for storing energy in devices, which need to store power in batteries for future use. Smartphones, laptops, portable generators, torches, outdoor CCTV camera systems, and many more – any battery powered device relies on storing DC power. When the battery is charged from the mains, the AC power is converted to DC power by a rectifier and stored in the battery. However, this is not the only method of charging used. For example, if you ever use a mobile power bank to charge your phone, then you are using DC power at that moment.