Are you regularly confused between a generator and an alternator?
They surely sound confusing but it is really simple when you come to know the major differences in both these devices.
Both a Generator and an Alternator can be broadly termed as Generators. Meaning both devices are in fact generators with the major differences being in their working, construction and output.
But before you know these differences you must understand certain basics which will be really helpful in understanding the differences.
Alternator and Generator
The working of the generator is based on Michael Faraday’s (1867) laws of electromagnetism. Both a generator and an alternator are used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Hence both of them are used for the same purpose that is to generate electricity. They do this by a process called as “magnetic polarisation”. Both these devices can also be used as electric motors, when it is supplied with electrical energy instead of mechanical energy.
- POWERFUL DUROMAX ENGINE: The XP13000EH is powered by a 20HP, 500cc OHV Duromax Engine.
- DUAL FUEL TECHNOLOGY: The ability to run on Propane or Gasoline allows the Freedom and Flexibility of Fuel Choice.
- PLENTY OF POWER: With 13, 000 starting watts and 10, 500 watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights, refrigerators, home conditioners and high amperage power tools.
- MAXIMUM POWER: The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 1 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 2 120V 20A household outlets.
- POWERING EVERYONE ANYWHERE: Like all DuroMax generators, the XP13000EH is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states.
The electricity generated by the generator is supplied to us as two different currents, namely: Alternate Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC)
AC – Alternate Current and DC – Direct Current
In a Direct Current the charged electrons flow directly from one point to another, like a battery where the current flows from the positive point to the negative point.
But in an Alternate Current the flow is reversed for a specific time period. This results in an electron pulse different from that of a Direct Current. The number of times this pulse happens in a second is known as the frequency. The conventional frequency in the U.S is at 60 Hz i.e. the electron pulse happens 60 times in one second.
With these basics in mind, you can now easily differentiate between an alternator and a generator based on the following points.
Working Generator
It is also known as Dynamo or DC Generator.
Generators typically have wire coils that form a rotor. These windings are also called as the armature. This rotor is placed inside a magnetic field made by magnets. Now in a generator these wires are moved mechanically. The magnets do not move. This mechanical movement creates a current in the wires which is the alternate current.
Now the generator has a mechanism known as a commutator which converts that alternate current into direct current and gives the output in DC. The commutator is basically a set of separate rings attaching the generator to an external circuit.
Alternator
Alternator was a term introduced for the better, reliable and more efficient generators released in the late 1950’s. Immediately it became a winner and replaced the generators in the cars for charging the batteries. AC generator is also termed as an alternator.
It is also known as synchronous generator. This is because it works in sync with the power grid it is connected to. They follow the grid’s frequency, EMF and phase. But these are only large alternators.
In alternators the magnetic field moves inside of a winding of wires called as the stator.
Output Generator
The generator is used commonly during a power cut and for generating large-scale electricity.
The output power produced by generator is less than compared to that produced by an alternator.
One of the benefits of a generator is that it can be used as a DC motor also, by applying power to the shaft and vice versa a DC motor can also be used as a DC generator, by turning the shaft on. The power produced in a DC generator is purely from mechanical motion.
As the generator uses all the energy it generates, it can be termed as less efficient than an alternator.
One of the many reasons for the generators being replaced by the alternators is that it drained the batteries of the cars and vehicles when the demand was high, like in wet weather, when you need the windshield wipers and the lights. Using both together would result in low performance. The generator couldn’t provide enough power for both when the engine revs were low.
Now a day’s generator is not in much use as it is not as efficient as an alternator.
Use of Alternator
The most common use of the alternator is in the automobile industry to charge vehicles batteries. The alternators are also more favoured for commercial use beyond cars as it works great with transformers.
An Alternator is more efficient than a generator. One of the reasons for it being efficient is that it generates electricity only when it is needed and it conserves energy by using only the amount of energy required. This prevents over usage and wastage of energy. Even the windings of the wires make the alternator more efficient, because they are the biggest and heaviest parts in both the generator and the alternator. And the alternator keeps it stationary while the generator is moving its heaviest part. This way the alternator can work faster and produce more power at less speed in comparison to a generator.
Alternators are not good for charging dead batteries but generators are good at it.
Both the devices generate electricity as AC. But a generator can give the output in AC as well as DC and the alternator gives the output just as AC
Construction Generator
The design of the generator is simpler when compared to an alternator.
In terms of size a generator usually is large and needs more space than an alternator.
Generators have brushes which collects the power generated from the armature. Like every equipment, the brushes are also subjected to wear off through time, making the generator not so efficient and cost effective.
Alternator
Alternators have a complex and sophisticated design due to the requirements needed to regulate the flow of an Alternate Current.
The alternator does not have brushes which makes it more robust and durable. The Alternate current produced is collected from the stator side and hence there is no need for brushes.
The alternator also does not have a commutator as it does not convert the power to DC.
A safety measure that comes with an alternator is the voltage regulator which ensures that the alternator is not giving extra energy to a battery causing damage to the battery or the surroundings.
Some other differences between the two are:
Polarisation
Alternators do not need to be polarised after they are installed, whereas generators have to be polarised after they have been installed.
Magnetic field
The mechanical energy needed by these devices to generate electricity comes from the rotor and the stator. The alternator receives from the stator while the generator receives from the rotor.
To sum it up the difference between a generator and an alternator is all about what spins and what remains stationary.
Due to its cost effectiveness, less maintenance and increased efficiency an alternator is favoured over the generator these days and now you too know exactly why.
Here are some of the bestselling alternators and generators from the finest companies that produce machineries.
BOSCH AL0807N NEW ALTERNATOR
It promises great quality and premium make for its equipments.
- 100% new premium quality components, including major heat related/wear items: rectifier, regulator, rotor, stator and bearings withstand excessive heat and high electrical demands.
- Bosch Professional Preferred 100% New Alternators are 100% full-loaded tested to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturers' amperage and voltage output standards for proven charging performance.
- No other original equipment alternator or starter manufacturer charges as many batteries as Bosch in the Nextel Cup Series because the Bosch Professional Preferred 100% New Alternators provide more power under extreme, high-demand conditions.
- 100% full-load tested for proven starting/charging performance
GENERAC 5743 GP15000E 15000 RUNNING WATTS/ 22500 STARTING WATTS ELECTRIC START GAS POWERED PORTABLE GENERATOR.
It is a gas powered generator offering an electric as well as plug start. It Boasts a fuel tank of 16 gallons and provides up to 10 hours of power.
The make is more durable and flexible.
- Generac 992cc OHVI engine incorporates full pressure lubrication with automotive style spin on oil filter for a longer life engine
- Electric start with battery (included) and plug-in battery charger jack
- Hour Meter / Low-oil level shutdown / Idle control reduces noise and conserves fuel
- 16 gallons fuel tank provides up to 10 hours of run time at 50% load
- Hardened 1 1/4" steel tube cradle for added durability and strength with an integrated lifting eye for easy transport and security on the jobsite
- POWERFUL DUROMAX ENGINE: The XP13000EH is powered by a 20HP, 500cc OHV Duromax Engine.
- DUAL FUEL TECHNOLOGY: The ability to run on Propane or Gasoline allows the Freedom and Flexibility of Fuel Choice.
- PLENTY OF POWER: With 13, 000 starting watts and 10, 500 watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights, refrigerators, home conditioners and high amperage power tools.
- MAXIMUM POWER: The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 1 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 2 120V 20A household outlets.
- POWERING EVERYONE ANYWHERE: Like all DuroMax generators, the XP13000EH is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states.
ACDELCO 335-1086 PROFESSIONAL ALTERNATOR
- All components are 100 percent NEW to provide improved performance
- Key components are greased to ensure long term reliability in harsh conditions
- NEW units are manufactured under the guidelines of ISO Quality Standards to ensure consistent quality.Pulley Belt Type: Serpentine
- ACDelco Professional NEW Alternators are computer tested for voltage stability, terminal function, and electronic circuit board integrity
- Engineering enhancements to internal components provide the latest, most efficient unit for your vehicle.Amperage Rating: 105 A
It comes with lubricated components and computer tested regulators for better voltage stability, terminal function and electronic circuit board integrity.
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