What is the difference between a generator and an alternator?

Answer 1

According to the almighty Wikipedia, which I shall shamelessly quote with nary a paraphrasing, while still properly citing my source:

"Alternators are used in automobiles to charge the battery and to power all the car's electric systems when its engine is running. Alternators have the great advantage over direct-current generators of not using a commutator, which makes them simpler, lighter, and more rugged than a DC generator. The stronger construction of alternators allows them to turn at higher speed, allowing an automotive alternator to turn at twice engine speed, improving output when the engine is idling. The availability of low-cost solid-state diodes from about 1960 allowed auto manufacturers to substitute alternators for DC generators. Automotive alternators use a set of rectifiers (diode bridge) to convert AC to DC. To provide direct current with low ripple, automotive alternators have a three-phase winding."

Read all about the topic at the link below. Enjoy!

Answer 2

Generator Vs Alternator

Answer 3

Alternator Vs Generator

Answer 4

An alternator is an electromechanical device that converts mechanical energy to alternating current electrical energy. Most alternators use a rotating magnetic field. Different geometries - such as a linear alternator for use with stirling engines - are also occasionally used. In principle, any AC generator can be called an alternator, but usually the word refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines.

An electrical generator is a device that produces electrical energy from a mechanical energy source. The process is known as electricity generation.

Answer 5

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RE:
What is the difference between a generator and an alternator?

Answer 6

The key different between an alternator and a generator is what spins and what is fixed. On a generator windings of wire (the armature) spin inside a fixed magnetic field. On an alternator, a magnetic field is spun inside of windings of wire called a stator to generate the electricity.

Actually BOTH generate AC current but the current is coverted to DC later.

See the link below for EVERYTHING you need to know about GENERATORS and ALTERNATORS!

http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AlternatorGeneratorTheory.htm

Answer 7

When you put electricity (current) down a wire, the wire will have a magnetic field around it. Conversely, if you move a wire through a magnetic field, a small current (electricity) is created in the wire. The more wires you use and/or the greater the strength of the magnetic field, the greater the effect becomes.

These two inverse principles are the basis for electric motors, generators, alternators, and even things like the solenoid inside of a relay. If you have one item (movement or electricity), you can convert it into the other.

Also tied in here is the fact that magnets repel and attract each other - that's part of how you make an electric motor move. You can use more turns of wire (windings) to generate a stronger effect.

Answer 8

Generators produce DC current, like in open state transitioning in spinning of a dc motor in star delta,therefore generators produce dc current where the rotor works under the influence of rotating magnetic fields of the stator.
Opposite happens with an Alternator where AC is produced, here the coils are on rotor which on passage of rotating magnetic fields behaves as an electromagnet.
e.g. our cars are provided with an alternator because alternators are more useful as they only consume the energy which is required while a generator consume all the energy.
to convert the ac by a alternator,can be converted to dc using diodes

Answer 9

Generator and alternator are two devices, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Both have the same principle of electromagnetic induction, the only difference is that their construction. Generator persists stationary magnetic field and rotating conductor which rolls on the armature with slip rings and brushes riding against each other, hence it converts the induced emf into dc current for external load whereas an alternator has a stationary armature and rotating magnetic field for high voltages but for low voltage output rotating armature and stationary magnetic field is used.

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https://www.electrikals.com/products/r/generator-sets?cid=694&page=1&pagesize=15

Answer 10

Alternator produces energy only when needed. Generator is working all the time.