What is the difference between alternator and generator

The rotating coil is called armature which is made of copper. The alternator is smaller in size and requires less space whereas the generator requires large space. Thank you sir I have recollected the differences of Alternator and Generator from your circuit globe. Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Skip to content The major difference between the alternator and the generator is that in alternator the armature is stationary and the field system rotates whereas in the generator armature rotates and field is stationary.

The generator produces the alternating current which is converted into DC by the help of the commutator. The alternator has a rotating magnetic field, whereas the generator has a rotating magnetic field for the high voltage generation and low voltage stationary magnetic field is used. The alternator takes input supply from the stator whereas the generator takes input supply from the rotor. The armature of an alternator is stationary, and in the case of the generator, it is rotating.

The output EMF of the alternator is variable, and the output voltage of the generator is constant. The alternator does not charge the completely dead battery whereas the generator charges the dead battery. The output of the alternator is higher than that of the generator. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published.

The alternator and generator both works on the principle of the Faraday law of electromagnetic induction. The generator induces both the alternating and direct current and the alternator produces only alternating current.

The rotor of the generator is placed inside the stationary magnetic field. The stationary magnetic field is produced by the magnetic poles. The rotor moves inside the magnetic field, intersects the magnetic line of force which induces the current in the wire. Every half rotation of the rotor changes the direction of the current which causes the alternating current.

For getting the alternating current, the ends of the circuit are directly connected to the load. But for producing the direct current, the ends of the wire are connected to the commutator. The commutator converts the alternating current into a direct current. An alternator could be a device that converts mechanical energy into AC electrical energy.

An alternator always induces an AC. Alternators are very efficient. Alternators have a better output than generators. Alternators use only the desired amount of energy and thus, it conserves more energy. The magnetic field is observed to be rotating inside the stator of an alternator. The armature of an alternator is stationary. The alternator takes the input supply from the stator. Alternators have a large range of RPM. Alternators produce voltage only if needed. Alternators are generally smaller in size.

The brushes of alternators last longer. Alternators will never charge a dead battery. Alternators are mainly employed in the automobile industry as a charging system for the battery.

A generator could be a mechanical device that converts mechanical energy to either AC or DC electrical energy.

A generator can generate either alternating or DC. Generators are considered less efficient. Hence a current is induced in the rotating armature. The armature is connected with either a slip ring or a commutator. They both transfer the electric current which is continuously changing direction from the rotating armature to the static output circuit. But the slip ring has a full circular connection that allows the continuous transfer of the electric current from the rotating shaft which results in an Alternating Current AC.

On the other hand, the commutator has at least 2 breaks between them, which reverses the direction of current after each half rotation thus, the output current stays in one direction also known as the Direct Current DC. It provides energy constantly even without the need for it.

This is the reason it has less efficiency than the Alternator. But it can generate AC as well as DC and the output voltage remains constant throughout its operation. Therefore the generator is perfect for being used as a backup power supply in homes, offices and construction sites, etc. It can be used for charging a completely drained battery.

Hi Le me discus some additional notes about alternator and generator. In a typical alternator on a car the rotor receives a regulated current via several brushes to create a regulated magnetic field, so the magnetic field rotates INSIDE the induced coils at the stator. This configuration, unlike dynamos, allow smaller collectors at the rotor so the alternator can spin at higher rpm and the brushes only hold a very low current and not the load current.

Small engines uses alternator described in the article since a permanent magnet rotor spins around the induced coils. Voltage is then regulated and rectified on an external device. Regarding the output voltage, the article says that on the generator is higher then the alternator and the alternator higher then the generator.???? The brushes last longer because they carry low current. Nothing to do with the stationary armature. There is never friction with the stator. Only with the rotor, despite it is the inductor or the induced coils.

But I noticed that since Cummins owns them, they are called Alternators. It is 35 kvA. So what is it? An alternator or a generator? Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Electrical Technology 2 5 minutes read. Show More. Related Articles. Electric Bill Calculator with Examples.