What is Alternator?
An alternator is a device which converts mechanical energy into alternating current, which can either directly be used or can be first converted to direct current (DC) and stored for later usage. Since it produces alternating current, hence the name alternating current, in alternating current the electrons move forward and backwards constantly, the same type of current is used in our homes for lightning and various electrical appliances, but the voltage is very high.
The alternators can be found inside the car which is responsible for charging the battery and powering various electrical systems in the car such as light, horn, etc. The basic components of an alternator include a rotor, stator, diode rectifier assembly, voltage regulator, and cooling fan.
Working of Alternator
The alternator has a shaft that is connected to the engine of the car via a belt and pulley, when the engine is running the shaft is forced to rotate, and the alternator’s rotor, typically in the form of a coil of wire, rotates within a magnetic field generated by the stator.
This rotation induces an alternating current in the stator windings, but the car uses direct current to run various devices so alternator used a rectifier which converts alternating current into direct current, which is then stored in the battery to power various car operations such as engine turn on, lights etc. The speed of the car is not the same all the time so the current generated is not always same so alternator uses a regulator to maintain a nearly constant output current.
Difference Between Alternator and Generator
Alternator and Generator are electrical devices used to generate electricity. They have a wide range of applications, from power generation to providing electricity in portable devices. Fundamentally both the devices are the same, but they differ in mode of operation and also have different characteristics.
In this article, we’ll discuss and understand what are Alternators and Generators, their working, and the differences based on various key characteristics.
Table of Content
- What is Alternator?
- What is Generator?
- Difference between Alternator and Generator
- Application of Alternator and Generator