What exactly is a generator alternator?
The generator alternator is the generator’s heart. The alternator, sometimes known as the ‘genhead,’ is the component of a generator that generates electrical energy from the mechanical energy supplied by the engine. An alternator is made up of a stator (a stationary component) and a rotor (a moving component). When both components work together, a relative movement between the magnetic and electric fields is produced, which results in the generation of electricity.
What is the operation of a generator alternator?
The alternator generator operates on the electromagnetic induction concept. When an electrical conductor, such as a wire containing electric charges, is moved in the presence of a magnetic field, it results in a voltage differential between the two ends of the electrical conductor, which induces the flow of electric charges through the wire, so creating electricity.
A generator alternator is made up of both moving and fixed components that are housed in a protective enclosure. The alternator’s fixed component, commonly known as the’stator,’ is a collection of wires or electrical conductors wound in coils over an iron core. The rotor, also known as the armature, is the moveable component of the alternator that generates a rotating magnetic field in three ways.
Induction – This process is used in huge generators. Brushless generators are another term for them.
- Permanent magnets – The stationary magnetic field is provided by permanent magnets in small generators. The rotor turns the stationary magnetic field into a spinning magnetic field, which produces alternating current.
- Using an exciter – An exciter is a tiny direct current (DC) source that uses a slip ring and brush assembly to energize the rotor.
