Help understanding generators/alternators

[wall6ly]

Dumb question, inappropriate forum. Sorry

 

[Bob S]

This not an inappropriate question, and this is not an inappropriate forum.
Dc generators were used on cars up to about 1970, because the rectifiers for a high-current ac current (generated by an alternator) were not sufficiently compact or reliable. So the old generators had a stator excitation field coil, and the dc current output was taken off the armature via a commutator. These dc generators were often unable to produce a sufficient voltage and current at idle speeds to charge the battery.

In the modern automotive alternators, the armature coil is excited with a dc current via slip rings, producing a rotating dc multipole magnetic field. The alternator output is taken off the stator as a high frequency ac 3-phase current. Rectified 3-phase voltage has significantly less voltage ripple than recifiied single-phase voltage. Three pairs of rectifier solid-state diodes, usually inside the alternator case, convert the ac to dc. Because of the ac frequencies, the magnetic components (especially stator) have to be laminated.
Bob S

 

[oswaler]

Hello there,

I understand that you may feel like this is an inappropriate forum for your question, but I am happy to help you understand generators and alternators. These are important components in many machines such as cars, power plants, and even some household appliances.

In simple terms, a generator or alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. This is done through the use of magnets and coils of wire. As the mechanical energy (such as from an engine or turbine) turns the rotor of the generator, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field then induces a current in the coils of wire, producing electricity.

The main difference between a generator and an alternator is the way they produce electricity. A generator uses a commutator, which is a mechanical switch, to convert the alternating current (AC) produced by the coils into direct current (DC), which is the type of electricity used in most devices. An alternator, on the other hand, uses diodes to convert the AC into DC.

I hope this helps you better understand generators and alternators. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. And don't worry, there are no dumb questions when it comes to learning about science and technology. We are all here to learn and grow together. Best of luck to you.