Alternator

Alternator, in simple words, means an electromechanical device that enables the user to convert mechanical energy into alternating current, i.e. electrical energy. Most alternators make use of a rotating magnetic field although some utilise linear. Alternators are used in a variety of places, devices, and objects, especially in automobiles to charge the battery. They are also used in cars to power the electrical system while the engine is running. Alternators have now come to replace generators in olden cars.

Alternators are essential to power headlights, the ignition coils, engine cooling fans, air conditioning fan and radio. They take the mechanical power from the crankshaft and transmit it through the fan belt and convert it into electrical energy. The battery acts like a back-up to an alternator. That is, when an alternator of a car stops working, the battery has some reserved power that will keep the car engine running for sometimes.

The basic element of an alternator consists of a rotor. A brushless alternator is another version of a standard alternator; however, this has two alternators that are built end-to-end on one shaft and appear to be a single unit.