alternator
Sign in to savethumb|right|200px|Alternators made in 1909 by Ganz Works in the power generating hall of a Russian [[hydroelectric station (photograph by Prokudin-Gorsky, 1911).]]
Article
22 sectionsContents
- History
- Principle of operation
- Synchronous speeds
- Classifications
- By excitation
- Direct-connected direct-current (DC) generator
- Direct-connected alternating-current (AC) generator
- Transformation and rectification
- Brushless alternators
- By number of phases
- By rotating part
- Cooling methods
- Specific applications
- Synchronous generators
- Automotive alternators
- Diesel–electric locomotive alternators
- Marine alternators
- Aviation
- Radio alternators
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|right|200px|Alternators made in 1909 by Ganz Works in the power generating hall of a Russian [[hydroelectric station (photograph by Prokudin-Gorsky, 1911).]]
An alternator (or synchronous generator) is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. For reasons of cost and simplicity, most alternators use a rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature. Occasionally, a linear alternator or a rotating armature with a stationary magnetic field is used. In principle, any AC electrical generator can be called an alternator, but usually, the term refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines.