ac dc explained
AC and DC power: what is it, and why does it matter in commercial spaces?
AC is for Alternating Current: the electric charge changes direction, periodically reversing itself.
Battery-powered DC devices include laptops, smartphones, monitors, sit-to-stand desk mechanisms, and routers. With so many workspace devices running on DC power, are batteries the better way to go?
Batteries store electricity as DC power, and they can be directly connected to DC devices without needing conversion. DC can be more efficient for certain applications like electronics, electric vehicles and solar panels because it minimizes energy loss due to its consistent flow.
DC Power Applications:
• Battery-powered devices (laptops, smartphones, monitors, sit to stand desk mechanisims and routers.
• Electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles).
• Other electronics and computer systems.
• Renewable energy sources (solar panels, wind turbines).
Easy voltage transformation, AC power can be easily stepped up or down using transformers, making it efficient for long distance transmission over power lines. Motor compatibility, many common electric motors are designed to work with AC power.
AC Power Applications:
• Residential and commercial electrical systems.
• Power distribution grids.
• Electric motors in appliances and machinery.
• Heating and cooling systems
Commercial spaces are moving towards flexible, multi-use agile spaces that are easily reconfigured to suit changing needs. DC-powered commercial spaces enable that flexibility, opening up endless possibilities where meetings seamlessly transform into collaborative sessions, and spaces adapt to changing needs with streamlined efficiency.
OE’s award winning DC power solution ANIMATE is a complete power solution for commercial spaces. Born from the idea that spaces need to be agile, ANIMATE modules can be integrated seamlessly into workstations, furniture, and fixtures to provide easily accessible power. Independence from a fixed power supply enables complete agility in commercial spaces where workstations and furniture can be placed to suit the end users’ needs as often as required.
Laptops and mobile phones operate on DC power (Direct Current) because it provides a stable and consistent flow of electricity, which is crucial for the sensitive electronic components within the laptop. The primary conversion in a laptop happens in the power adapter, (plug pack) where an AC-to-DC rectifier transforms the alternating current from the wall into direct current for the laptop.
Laptops and mobile phones are more efficient when powered directly from a DC battery source because most electronic components within these devices are designed to operate optimally on constant voltage, which is provided by a DC battery. constant voltage, which is provided by a DC battery.