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Alternator (silver) mounted on a V8 engine Alternator voltage regulator (brushes are worn out) An alternator is a type of electric generator used in modern automobiles to charge the battery and to power the electrical system when its engine is running. Until the 1960s, automobiles used DC dynamo generators with commutators.
An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. [2] For reasons of cost and simplicity, most alternators use a rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature . [ 3 ]
The development of modern rare-earth magnets makes the simple magneto alternator a more practical proposition as a power generator, as these permit a greatly increased field strength. As the magnets are compact and of light weight, they generally form the rotor, so the output windings can be placed on the stator, avoiding the need for brushgear.
An engine has one or more devices for converting energy it produces into a usable form, electricity connection through the alternator, hydraulic connections from a pump or engine system, compressed air, and engine vacuum; or the engine may be directly tapped through a mechanical connection. Modern vehicles run most accessories on electrical power.
The principal difference is in how they are used and which direction the energy flows. An alternator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, whereas a motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. Like many electric motors and electric generators, the linear alternator works by the principle of electromagnetic induction.
In addition to the engine and generator, engine–generators generally include a fuel supply, a constant engine speed regulator (governor) in diesel and a generator voltage regulator, cooling and exhaust systems, and lubrication system. Units larger than about 1 kW rating often have a battery and electric starter motor; very large units may ...
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These are motor/generators rather than motor–generators, single units which can act as either a motor or a generator. They make the cars more fuel-efficient by harvesting energy from regenerative braking and from the turbocharger, and can also be used to provide up to 160 BHP extra to the wheels to aid acceleration and overtaking, or to spin ...