Alternator Synchronous Generator | Definition and

Types of Alternator
Principle of GeneratorDefinition and Types of AlternatorPrinciple of AlternatorConstruction of
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SetAlternator for a Car

The definition of alternator is hidden in the name of this machine itself.

An alternator is such a machine which converts mechanical energy from a

prime mover to AC electric power at specific voltage and frequency. It is also
known as synchronous generator.

History of Alternator
Michael Faraday and Hippolyte Pixii gave the very first concept of alternator.
Michael Faraday designed a rotating rectangular turn of conductor inside a
magnetic field to produce alternating current in the external static circuit.
After that in the year of 1886 J.E.H. Gordon, designed and produced first
prototype of useful model. After that, Lord Kelvin and Sebastian Ferranti
designed a model of 100 to 300 Hz synchronous generator. Nikola Tesla in
1891, designed a commercially useful 15 KHz generator. After this year, poly
phase alternators came into picture which can deliver currents to multiple
phases.

Use of Alternator
The power for the electrical system of a modern vehicle gets produced from
an alternator. In previous days, we used DC generators or dynamos for this
purpose, but after the development of alternator, we replaced the DC
dynamos by more robust and lightweight alternator. Although the electrical
system of motor vehicles requires direct current, still an alternator along with
diode rectifier instead of a DC generator is a better choice as the complicated
commutation is absent in alternator. This particular type of generator used in
the vehicle is known as an automotive alternator.

Another use of alternators is in diesel-electric locomotive. The engine of

this locomotive is nothing but an alternator, driven by a diesel engine. The
alternating current produced by this generator is converted to DC by
integrated silicon diode rectifiers to feed all the DC traction motors. These
DC traction motors drive the wheel of the locomotive.

We also use this machine in marine similar to a diesel-electric locomotive.

We specially design the synchronous generator used in marine and navy
with appropriate adaptations to the salt-water environment. The typical
output level of a marine alternator is about 12 or 24 volt. In big marine sheep,
more than one units are used to provide massive power. In this marine
system, the energy produced by the alternator is first rectified then used for
charging the engine starter battery and auxiliary supply battery of marine.

One of the primary uses of alternators is in the production of bulk ac power

for commercial purposes. In thermal power plants, in hydel power plants,
even in nuclear power plants, alternators only converts mechanical energy
to electrical energy for supplying to the power system.

Types of Alternator
Alternators or synchronous generators can be classified in many ways
depending upon their applications and designs.

According to application these machines are classified as-

1. Automotive type - used in modern automobile.

2. Diesel electric locomotive type - used in diesel electric multiple unit.
3. Marine type - used in marine.
4. Brush less type - used in electrical power generation plant as main
source of power.
5. Radio alternators - used for low brand radio frequency transmission.

We can categorise these AC generators (alternator) in many ways, but we

will discuss now two types of alternator classified according to their design.
These are-

1. Salient pole type We use it as low and medium speed alternator. It has
a large number of projecting poles having their cores bolted or
dovetailed onto a heavy magnetic wheel of cast iron or steel of good
magnetic quality. Such generators get characterised by their large
diameters and short axial lengths. These generators look like a big
wheel. These are mainly used for low-speed turbine such as in hydel
power plant.
2. Smooth cylindrical type We use it for a steam turbine driven alternator.
The rotor of this generator rotates at very high speed. The rotor
consists of a smooth solid forged steel cylinder having certain numbers
of slots milled out at intervals along the outer periphery for
accommodating field coils. These rotors are designed mostly for 2
poles or 4 poles turbo generator running at 36000 rpm or 1800 rpm
respectively.
Working Principle of Alternator
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AlternatorArmature Reaction in AlternatorRating of AlternatorPower Conditions in
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SetAlternator for a Car

The working principle of alternator is very simple. It is just like basic

principle of DC generator. It also depends upon Faraday's law of
electromagnetic induction which says the current is induced in the conductor
inside a magnetic field when there is a relative motion between that
conductor and the magnetic field.

For understanding working of alternator let us think about a single

rectangular turn placed in between two opposite magnetic poles as shown
above.
Say this single turn loop ABCD can rotate against axis a-b. Suppose this loop
starts rotating clockwise. After 90o rotation the side AB or conductor AB of
the loop comes in front of S-pole and conductor CD comes in front of N-pole.
At this position the tangential motion of the conductor AB is just
perpendicular to the magnetic flux lines from N to S pole. Hence, the rate of
flux cutting by the conductor AB is maximum here and for that flux cutting
there will be an induced current in the conductor AB and the direction of the
induced current can be determined by Flemming's right-hand rule. As per
this rule the direction of this current will be from A to B. At the same time
conductor CD comes under N pole and here also if we apply Fleming right-
hand rule we will get the direction of induced current and it will be from C to
D.

Now after clockwise rotation of another 90o the turn ABCD comes at vertical
position as shown below. At this position tangential motion of conductor AB
and CD is just parallel to the magnetic flux lines, hence there will be no flux
cutting that is no current in the conductor.

While the turn ABCD comes from horizontal position to vertical position,
angle between flux lines and direction of motion of conductor, reduces from
90o to 0o and consequently the induced current in the turn is reduced to zero
from its maximum value.

After another clockwise rotation of 90o the turn again comes to horizontal
position, and here conductor AB comes under N-pole and CD comes under
S-pole, and here if we again apply Fleming right-hand rule, we will see that
induced current in conductor AB, is from point B to A and induced current in
the conductor CD is from D to C.

As
at this position the turn comes at horizontal position from its vertical position,
the current in the conductors comes to its maximum value from zero. That
means current is circulating in the close turn from point B to A, from A to D,
from D to C and from C to B, provided the loop is closed although it is not
shown here. That means the current is in reverse of that of the previous
horizontal position when the current was circulating as A → B → C → D →
A.

While the turn further proceeds to its vertical position the current is again
reduced to zero. So if the turn continues to rotate the current in turn
continually alternate its direction. During every full revolution of the turn, the
current in turn gradually reaches to its maximum value then reduces to zero
and then again it comes to its maximum value but in opposite direction and
again it comes to zero. In this way, the current completes one full sine wave
cycle during each 360o revolution of the turn. So, we have seen how an
alternating current is produced in a turn is rotated inside a magnetic field.
From this, we will now come to the actual working principle of alternator.

Now we place one stationary brush on each slip ring. If we connect two
terminals of an external load with these two brushes, we will get an
alternating current in the load. This is our elementary model of alternator.

Having
understood the very basic principle of an alternator, let us now have
an insight into its basic operational principle of a practical alternator.
During discussion of basic working of alternator, we have considered
that the magnetic field is stationary and conductors (armature) is
rotating. But generally in practical construction of alternator,
armature conductors are stationary and field magnets rotate between
them. The rotor of an alternator or a synchronous generator is
mechanically coupled to the shaft or the turbine blades, which being
made to rotate at synchronous speed Ns under some mechanical
force results in magnetic flux cutting of the stationary armature
conductors housed on the stator. As a direct consequence of this flux
cutting an induced emf and current starts to flow through the
armature conductors which first flow in one direction for the first half
cycle and then in the other direction for the second half cycle for each
winding with a definite time lag of 120o due to the space displaced
arrangement of 120o between them as shown in the figure below. This
particular phenomenon results in three phase power flow out of the
alternator which is then transmitted to the distribution stations for
domestic and industrial uses. Construction of Alternator

Principle of GeneratorDefinition and Types of AlternatorPrinciple of AlternatorConstruction of

AlternatorArmature Reaction in AlternatorRating of AlternatorPower Conditions in
AlternatorsInduction GeneratorParallel Operation of AlternatorMotor Generator Set | M G
SetAlternator for a Car

Construction wise, an alternator consists of field poles placed on the rotating

fixture of the machine i.e. rotor as shown in the figure above. The rotor
rotates in the stator. The field poles get projected on the rotor body. The
armature conductors are housed on the stator. An alternating three-phase
voltage represented by aa’, bb’, cc’ is induced in the armature conductors
thus resulting in the generation of three-phase electrical power. All modern
electrical power generating stations use this technology for generation of
three-phase power, and as a result, the alternator or synchronous generator
has become a subject of great importance and interest for power engineers.

An alternator is basically a type of AC generator which also known as

synchronous generator. The field poles are made to rotate at synchronous
speed Ns = 120 f/P for effective power generation. Where, f signifies the
alternating current frequency and the P represents the number of poles.

In most practical construction of alternator, it is installed with a stationary

armature winding and a rotating field unlike in the case of DC generator
where the arrangement is exactly opposite. This modification is made to cope
with the very high power of the order of few 100 Megawatts produced in an
AC generator contrary to that of a DC generator. To accommodate such high
power the conductor weighs and dimensions naturally have to be increased
for optimum performance. For this reason is it beneficial to replace these
high power armature windings by low power field windings, which is also
consequently of much lighter weight, thus reducing the centrifugal force
required to turn the rotor and permitting higher speed limits.

There are mainly two types of rotor used in construction of alternator,

1. Salient pole type.

2. Cylindrical rotor type.

Salient Pole Type

The term salient means protruding or projecting. The salient pole type of rotor
is generally used for slow speed machines having large diameters and
relatively small axial lengths. The poles, in this case, are made of thick
laminated steel sections riveted together and attached to a rotor with the help
of joint.

An alternator as mentioned earlier is mostly responsible for generation of

very high electrical power. To enable that, the mechanical input given to the
machine in terms of rotating torque must also be very high. This high torque
value results in oscillation or hunting effect of the alternator or synchronous
generator. To prevent these oscillations from going beyond bounds the
damper winding is provided in the pole faces as shown in the figure. The
damper windings are basically copper bars short-circuited at both ends are
placed in the holes made in the pole axis. When the alternator is driven at a
steady speed, the relative velocity of the damping winding with respect to the
main field will be zero. But as soon as it departs from the synchronous speed
there will be relative motion between the damper winding and the main field
which is always rotating at synchronous speed. This relative difference will
induce the current in them which will exert a torque on the field poles in such
a way as to bring the alternator back to synchronous speed operation.
The salient feature of pole field structure has the following special feature-

1. They have a large horizontal diameter compared to a shorter axial

length.
2. The pole shoes covers only about 2/3rd of pole pitch.
3. Poles are laminated to reduce eddy current loss.
4. The salient pole type motor is generally used for low-speed operations
of around 100 to 400 rpm, and they are used in power stations with
hydraulic turbines or diesel engines.

Salient pole alternators driven by water turbines are called hydro-alternators

or hydro generators.
Cylindrical Rotor Type
The cylindrical rotor is generally used for very high speed operation and
employed in steam turbine driven alternators like turbogenerators. The
machines are built in a number of ratings from 10 MVA to over 1500 MVA.
The cylindrical rotor type machine has a uniform length in all directions,
giving a cylindrical shape to the rotor thus providing uniform flux cutting in all
directions. The rotor, in this case, consists of a smooth solid steel cylinder,
having a number of slots along its outer periphery for hosting the field coils.
The cylindrical rotor alternators are generally designed for 2-pole type giving

very high speed of Or 4-pole

type running at a speed of

Where, f is the frequency of 50 Hz. The cylindrical rotor synchronous
generator does not have any projections coming out from the surface of the
rotor, rather central polar area is provided with slots for housing the field
windings as we can see from the diagram above. The field coils are so
arranged around these poles that flux density is maximum on the polar
central line and gradually falls away as we move out towards the periphery.
The cylindrical rotor type machine gives better balance and quieter-operation
along with lesser windage losses.

Armature Reaction in Alternator or Synchronous

Generator
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AlternatorArmature Reaction in AlternatorRating of AlternatorPower Conditions in
AlternatorsInduction GeneratorParallel Operation of AlternatorMotor Generator Set | M G
SetAlternator for a Car

Every rotating electrical machine works based on Faraday's law. Every

electrical machine requires a magnetic field and a coil (Known as armature)
with a relative motion between them. In case of an alternator, we supply
electricity to pole to produce magnetic field and output power is taken from
the armature. Due to relative motion between field and armature, the
conductor of armatures cut the flux of magnetic field and hence there would
be changing flux linkage with these armature conductors. According to
Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction there would be an emf induced
in the armature. Thus, as soon as the load is connected with armature
terminals, there is a current flowing in the armature coil.

As soon as current starts flowing through the armature conductor there is

one reverse effect of this current on the main field flux of the alternator (or
synchronous generator). This reverse effect is referred as armature
reaction in alternator or synchronous generator. In other words, the
effect of armature (stator) flux on the flux produced by the rotor field poles is
called armature reaction.We already know that a current carrying conductor
produces its own magnetic field, and this magnetic field affects the main
magnetic field of the alternator. It has two undesirable effects, either it
distorts the main field, or it reduces the main field flux or both. They
deteriorate the performance of the machine. When the field gets distorted, it
is known as a cross magnetizing effect. And when the field flux gets reduced,
it is known as the demagnetizing effect.

The electromechanical energy conversion takes place through magnetic field

as a medium. Due to relative motion between armature conductors and the
main field, an emf is induced in the armature windings whose magnitude
depends upon the relative speed and as well as the magnetic flux. Due to
armature reaction, flux is reduced or distorted, the net emf induced is also
affected and hence the performance of the machine degrades.

Armature Reaction in Alternator

In an alternator like all other synchronous machines, the effect of armature
reaction depends on the power factor i.e the phase relationship between the
terminal voltage and armature current. Reactive power (lagging) is the
magnetic field energy, so if the generator supplies a lagging load, this implies
that it is supplying magnetic energy to the load. Since this power comes from
excitation of synchronous machine, the net reactive power gets reduced in
the generator.

Hence, the armature reaction is demagnetizing. Similarly, the armature

reaction has magnetizing effect when the generator supplies a leading load
(as leading load takes the leading VAR) and in return gives lagging VAR
(magnetic energy) to the generator. In case of purely resistive load, the
armature reaction is cross magnetizing only.
Let's discuss in details The armature reaction of alternator or synchronous
generator, depends upon the phase angle between, stator armature current
and induced voltage across the armature winding of alternator. The phase
difference between these two quantities, i.e. Armature current and voltage
may vary from - 90o to + 90o If this angle is θ, then, To
understand actual effect of this angle on armature reaction of alternator, we
will consider three standard cases,

1. When θ = 0
2. When θ = 90o
3. When θ = - 90o

Armature Reaction of Alternator at Unity Power Factor

At unity power factor, the angle between armature current I and induced emf
E, is zero. That means, armature current and induced emf are in same
phase. But we know theoretically that emf induced in the armature is due to
changing main field flux, linked with the armature conductor. As the field is
excited by DC, the main field flux is constant in respect to field magnets, but
it would be alternating in respect of armature as there is a relative motion
between field and armature in the alternator. If main field flux of the alternator
in respect of armature can be represented as
Then induced emf E across the armature is proportional to, dφf/dt.

Hence, from these above equations

(1) and (2) it is clear that the angle between, φf and induced emf E will be
90o. Now, armature flux φa is proportional to armature current I. Hence,
armature flux φa is in phase with armature current I. Again at unity electrical
power factor I and E are in same phase. So, at unity power factor, φa is phase
with E. So at this condition, armature flux is in phase with induced emf E and
field flux is in quadrature with E. Hence, armature flux φa is in quadrature
with main field flux φf. As this two fluxes are perpendicular to each other, the
armature reaction of the alternator at unity power factor is purely
distorting or cross-magnetising type.

As the armature flux pushes the main field flux perpendicularly, distribution
of main field flux under a pole face does not remain uniformly distributed.
The flux density under the trailing pole tips increases somewhat while under
the leading pole tips it decreases.

Armature Reaction of Alternator at Lagging Zero Power Factor

At lagging zero electrical power factor, the armature current lags by 90o to
induced emf in the armature. As the emf induced in the armature coil due to
main field flux thus the emf leads the main field flux by 90 o. From equation
(1) we get, the field flux, Hence, at ωt
= 0, E is maximum and φf is zero. At ωt = 90 , E is zero and φf has maximum
o

value. At ωt = 180o, E is maximum and φf zero. At ωt = 270o, E is zero and

φf has negative maximum value. Here, φf got maximum value 90o before E.
Hence φf leads E by 90o. Now, armature current I is proportional to armature
flux φa, and I lags E by 90o. Hence, φa lags E by 90o. So, it can be concluded
that, field flux φf leads E by 90o. Therefore, armature flux and field flux act
directly opposite to each other. Thus, armature reaction of the alternator at
lagging zero power factor is a purely demagnetising type. That means,
armature flux directly weakens main field flux.
Armature Reaction of Alternator at Leading Power Factor
At leading power factor condition, armature current "I" leads induced emf E
by an angle 90o. Again, we have shown just, field flux φf leads, induced emf
E by 90o. Again, armature flux φa is proportional to armature current I. Hence,
φa is in phase with I. Hence, armature flux φa also leads E, by 90o as I leads
E by 90o. As in this case both armature flux and field flux lead, induced emf
E by 90o, it can be said, field flux and armature flux are in the same direction.
Hence, the resultant flux is simply arithmetic sum of field flux and armature
flux. Hence, at last, it can be said that armature reaction of alternator due to
a purely leading electrical power factor is the magnetizing type.
Nature of Armature Reaction

1. The armature reaction flux is constant in magnitude and rotates at

synchronous speed.
2. The armature reaction is cross magnetising when the generator
supplies a load at unity power factor.
3. When the generator supplies a load at leading power factor the
armature reaction is partly demagnetising and partly cross-
magnetising.
4. When the generator supplies a load at leading power factor the
armature reaction is partly magnetising and partly cross-magnetising.

Armature flux acts independently of main field flux. Rating of

Alternator
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AlternatorArmature Reaction in AlternatorRating of AlternatorPower Conditions in
AlternatorsInduction GeneratorParallel Operation of AlternatorMotor Generator Set | M G
SetAlternator for a Car

Power rating of an alternator is defined as the power which can be

delivered by an alternator safely and efficiently under some specific
conditions. Increasing load, increases losses in alternator, which leads to
temperature rise of the machine. The conductor and insulator parts of the
machine have some specific overheating withstand limits. The power rating
of an alternator is so specified, that at that maximum load, the temperature
rise of different parts of the machine does not cross their specified safe limit.

The copper losses i.e. I2R loss varies with armature current and core losses
vary with voltage. The temperature rise or heating of alternator depends
upon cumulative effect of copper losses and core losses. As there is no role
of power factor upon these losses, the rating of alternator generally given in
the order of VA or KVA or MVA.In other words, as the losses of alternator
are independent of electrical power factor, hence power factor does not
come into picture while power rating of an alternator is calculated or
estimated. Although losses of alternator depends upon its KVA or MVA rating
but actual output varies with electrical power factor.

The electrical output of an alternator is a product of power factor and VA and

output is expressed in KW. Sometimes alternators are also rated by its power
instead of VA rating. That time electrical power factor of the alternator must
be specified too. In addition to KVA rating, an alternator is also rated with
voltage, electric current, frequency, speed, number of phase, number of
poles, field ampere, excitation voltage, maximum temperature rise limit etc.

The table below shown a standard rating plate of alternator

Make ...............

Kilo Watt Rating 5000

Power Factor 0.85 lag

KVA Rating 5,88,000

Stator Volt 21,000

Stator Ampere 16,200

Rotor Volt 340

Rotor Ampere 4040

R.P.M 3000

Hz 50

Phase 3

Armature Connection Double Star

Coolant Water & Hydrogen (Forced)

Gas Pressure 3.5 bar

Insulation Type +F

Type ...............

Specification IS5422 & IEC34

Product Serial Number ...............

Manufacturing Year ...............

Alternator for a Car

Principle of GeneratorDefinition and Types of AlternatorPrinciple of AlternatorConstruction of
AlternatorArmature Reaction in AlternatorRating of AlternatorPower Conditions in
AlternatorsInduction GeneratorParallel Operation of AlternatorMotor Generator Set | M G
SetAlternator for a Car

An alternator can be described as a device that is used in a car to form an

electrical current. The alternator consists of a rotor and an armature. It has
the capability of generating power at a specific frequency. The alternator's
responsibility is to ensure that the battery is fully charged and is ready to go.
An alternator is also known as a synchronous generator. When a car engine
is running, the alternator charges the battery as well as supplying extra
electric power to the electrical systems of the car. It is usually attached to the
engine.

What does a Car Alternator Do?

Car’s engine burn diesel as well as gasoline, but that needs a regular supply
of electricity to perform that function hence the need for batteries to have
alternators. The car’s battery stores electricity and the alternator is the
battery's generator. When the engine begins to use voltage in the cell, then
the alternator starts to generate a current of electricity that is constant. The
heat that is generated by the alternator is responsible for powering the
engine, powering the stereo as well as the dash lights, and also powering
the car lights. The alternator is also responsible for charging the battery's car
thus the cell remains fully loaded.

How does a Car Alternator Work?

An alternator is comprised of a voltage regulator and three main
components. The main components include Rotor, Stator, and Diode. The
alternator belt rotates the pulley that is on the alternator which makes the
rotor that is inside the alternator to turn fast. The rotor contains powerful
magnets that spin with speed and is inside a stator. The magnets found in
the rotor are not permanent magnets but are electromagnets. A stator is a
set of wires that coil windings where a rotor revolves. A stator has three sets
of cables with many loops which are evenly distributed and form a three-
phase system. When the magnets spin at fast speeds, they create electricity
via a process called electromagnetism. Diodes are arranged in a way that
voltage that is coming from the alternator is in one direction thus converting
power from AC to DC for the battery's use. The voltage regulator is an inbuilt
component on today's alternators. Its work is to cut off the flow of power on
the cell should the voltage rise above certain levels thus keeping the battery
from being overcharged. As the battery becomes drained, current from the
alternator flows back to it, and the cycle continues.

Benefits of Having a High Output Alternator

Having a high output alternator has its advantages. They include:

Having a Prolonged Battery Life If the vehicle is running many devices at

a time or if the car is operating in a high-performance environment, it will
drain the power from the car. Vehicles such as off-road need a high output
alternator since they use high voltage headlights as well as other accessories
lights which increase the power load. A high-output alternator is designed in
a way as to deal with the problem of overloading which happens with an idle
engine.

Efficiency If you are having problems with the regular alternators, then it is
recommended to buy a high-output alternator because of its effectiveness.
A regular alternator is not going to last long when it is pushed beyond its
limits. High-output alternators last longer since they deal better with a high
demand for power. High-output alternators are not cheap, but they can save
you a lot of money by avoiding replacements of many alternators.

Audio Systems You are advised to purchase a high-output alternator as

opposed to a regular alternator if you are considering having a custom audio
system in the vehicle since subwoofers and large amplifiers use more power.
While using a regular alternator, audio systems may drain the battery quickly.
High-output alternators provide the much-needed energy that the sound
systems require.

Signs of Alternator Problems

How can you detect problems in your car alternator? Below are signs that
will help you know when the alternator is having problems

Indicator Light A vehicle usually has a warning indicator light that is on the
dashboard and is titled as GEN or ALT. when something is not right; the
indicator is the first one to show. It is advised not to ignore the sign and take
the car to an automotive specialist once problems start to arise.

Electrical Failures When an alternator is having problems, systems that

are usually powered by it may at times start to act up. These systems include
power locks, power windows, air conditioning, dashboard lights and car
radio.

Dim Headlights Dim headlights may be an indicator that the alternator is

having problems. An alternator powers the lights so when they start to be
dim may indicate that the alternator is not working correctly.

Strange Noises A lot of things may cause a vehicle to have strange noises,
but this may be an indicator that the alternator is having problems. A failing
alternator may cause the bearings to fail thus creating some unusual sounds.

When the Battery Dies When the battery dies, this may be an indicator that
the alternator is having problems. A failing alternator may cause the battery
to drain since it is failing to recharge it. When the battery dies, it is better to
have a professional look at the alternator so that when the battery is
replaced, this problem might not arise again.

Conclusion When buying an alternator, you are advised to purchase a high-

output alternator to avoid problems in the future. High-output alternators also
save you money in the long run since they serve you for a long time as
compared to regular alternators. You are also advised to have a professional
automotive check the alternator on a regular basis so that problems may be
detected and fixed early. When purchasing off-road vehicles and sports cars,
a high-output alternator is recommended since it provides the much-needed
power that is required by such vehicles. When the car starts having
problems, the alternator should be the one to be first checked since it might
be the one that is having problems

Alternator for a Car

Principle of GeneratorDefinition and Types of AlternatorPrinciple of AlternatorConstruction of
AlternatorArmature Reaction in AlternatorRating of AlternatorPower Conditions in
AlternatorsInduction GeneratorParallel Operation of AlternatorMotor Generator Set | M G
SetAlternator for a Car

An alternator can be described as a device that is used in a car to form an

electrical current. The alternator consists of a rotor and an armature. It has
the capability of generating power at a specific frequency. The alternator's
responsibility is to ensure that the battery is fully charged and is ready to go.
An alternator is also known as a synchronous generator. When a car engine
is running, the alternator charges the battery as well as supplying extra
electric power to the electrical systems of the car. It is usually attached to the
engine.

What does a Car Alternator Do?

Car’s engine burn diesel as well as gasoline, but that needs a regular supply
of electricity to perform that function hence the need for batteries to have
alternators. The car’s battery stores electricity and the alternator is the
battery's generator. When the engine begins to use voltage in the cell, then
the alternator starts to generate a current of electricity that is constant. The
heat that is generated by the alternator is responsible for powering the
engine, powering the stereo as well as the dash lights, and also powering
the car lights. The alternator is also responsible for charging the battery's car
thus the cell remains fully loaded.
How does a Car Alternator Work?

An alternator is comprised of a voltage regulator and three main

components. The main components include Rotor, Stator, and Diode. The
alternator belt rotates the pulley that is on the alternator which makes the
rotor that is inside the alternator to turn fast. The rotor contains powerful
magnets that spin with speed and is inside a stator. The magnets found in
the rotor are not permanent magnets but are electromagnets. A stator is a
set of wires that coil windings where a rotor revolves. A stator has three sets
of cables with many loops which are evenly distributed and form a three-
phase system. When the magnets spin at fast speeds, they create electricity
via a process called electromagnetism. Diodes are arranged in a way that
voltage that is coming from the alternator is in one direction thus converting
power from AC to DC for the battery's use. The voltage regulator is an inbuilt
component on today's alternators. Its work is to cut off the flow of power on
the cell should the voltage rise above certain levels thus keeping the battery
from being overcharged. As the battery becomes drained, current from the
alternator flows back to it, and the cycle continues.

Benefits of Having a High Output Alternator

Having a high output alternator has its advantages. They include:

Having a Prolonged Battery Life If the vehicle is running many devices at

a time or if the car is operating in a high-performance environment, it will
drain the power from the car. Vehicles such as off-road need a high output
alternator since they use high voltage headlights as well as other accessories
lights which increase the power load. A high-output alternator is designed in
a way as to deal with the problem of overloading which happens with an idle
engine.

Efficiency If you are having problems with the regular alternators, then it is
recommended to buy a high-output alternator because of its effectiveness.
A regular alternator is not going to last long when it is pushed beyond its
limits. High-output alternators last longer since they deal better with a high
demand for power. High-output alternators are not cheap, but they can save
you a lot of money by avoiding replacements of many alternators.

Audio Systems You are advised to purchase a high-output alternator as

opposed to a regular alternator if you are considering having a custom audio
system in the vehicle since subwoofers and large amplifiers use more power.
While using a regular alternator, audio systems may drain the battery quickly.
High-output alternators provide the much-needed energy that the sound
systems require.

Signs of Alternator Problems

How can you detect problems in your car alternator? Below are signs that
will help you know when the alternator is having problems

Indicator Light A vehicle usually has a warning indicator light that is on the
dashboard and is titled as GEN or ALT. when something is not right; the
indicator is the first one to show. It is advised not to ignore the sign and take
the car to an automotive specialist once problems start to arise.

Electrical Failures When an alternator is having problems, systems that

are usually powered by it may at times start to act up. These systems include
power locks, power windows, air conditioning, dashboard lights and car
radio.

Dim Headlights Dim headlights may be an indicator that the alternator is

having problems. An alternator powers the lights so when they start to be
dim may indicate that the alternator is not working correctly.

Strange Noises A lot of things may cause a vehicle to have strange noises,
but this may be an indicator that the alternator is having problems. A failing
alternator may cause the bearings to fail thus creating some unusual sounds.

When the Battery Dies When the battery dies, this may be an indicator that
the alternator is having problems. A failing alternator may cause the battery
to drain since it is failing to recharge it. When the battery dies, it is better to
have a professional look at the alternator so that when the battery is
replaced, this problem might not arise again.

Conclusion When buying an alternator, you are advised to purchase a high-

output alternator to avoid problems in the future. High-output alternators also
save you money in the long run since they serve you for a long time as
compared to regular alternators. You are also advised to have a professional
automotive check the alternator on a regular basis so that problems may be
detected and fixed early. When purchasing off-road vehicles and sports cars,
a high-output alternator is recommended since it provides the much-needed
power that is required by such vehicles. When the car starts having
problems, the alternator should be the one to be first checked since it might
be the one that is having problems

5.