What is the difference between motor and alternator

The commutator converts the alternating current into direct current. A machine that changes mechanical energy into electrical energy AC or DC. Takes from rotor. The synchronous generator or Alternator is a machine for converting the mechanical power from a prime mover to an AC electrical power at a specific voltage and frequency. Three-phase alternators are used because it has several advantages of distribution, generation, and transmission.

For bulk power generation large alternator is used in the thermal, hydro and nuclear power station. The magnetic pole of the rotor is excited by the direct field current.

When the rotor rotates, the magnetic flux cut the stator conductor, and hence EMF induces in them. As the magnetic pole alternating rotating N and S, they induce an EMF and current in armature conductor which first rotate in a clockwise direction and then in an anti-clockwise direction.

Thus, generates the alternating current. The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy or power.

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. When most people talk about a generator, their mind roams towards a portable generator you would use as a home backup or for a recreational vehicle. Then, when we think about an alternator, we think of the device used to provide power to our car battery.

The simplified difference is an alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into alternating current AC electrical energy. A generator is a mechanical device that converts mechanical energy into either alternating current AC or direct current DC electrical energy.

Alternators produce more power than generators. First, what is an alternator? These are common in the auto industry because they convert the mechanical energy under the hood into electricity that then charges your battery. This mechanical process rotates a magnet, and that turning creates a current to distribute energy without converting it to Direct Current. The alternator can come on and off as the battery needs to recharge. This issue would mean that the alternator is not providing a charge to the battery.

Overall, alternators are an enhanced version of a generator that can minimize the amount of power required, so there is less wasted energy. The main thing to know about an alternator is that it cannot charge a completely drained battery. This can cause fires and further damage. On the other side of the fence, we have a generator. Click Here to See how you get new Article. In simple engineering words, the main difference between Alternator and Motor is, the alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy whereas the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

We can understand it very easily by their applications. For example, in our houses, offices electricity comes from thermal power plants, hydropower plants.

They generate that electricity through the alternator only. They convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.