Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

AC Alternator Theory

AC Alternator Theory thumbnail
Electrical currents can be alternating or direct.

There are two kinds of electrical current: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Direct current flows in a single direction with a single polarity, while alternating current alternates between directions. Alternators power modern cars by generating alternating current.

  1. Induction

    • The basis of an alternator is the physical phenomenon known as induction. This is the phenomenon whereby magnetic fields can generate electrical currents, and electrical currents can generate magnetic fields.

    Generators

    • Alternators are a development on earlier generators. Generators worked by spinning curled metal wiring, known as armature, inside of a magnetic field. This would create an alternating current that would be supplied to the engine (after being converted to a direct current).

    Alternator

    • The alternator improves on the design of the generator by making the armature static and generating electricity by spinning the magnetic field around the wiring. This makes the device less prone to breaking, and it is easier to replace the unit when it wears out.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit ac/dc image by Maxim Kulemza from Fotolia.com

Comments

You May Also Like

  • AC Motor Theory

    AC motors are electromagnetic devices that have an alternating current as a power source. Their function is to convert mechanical energy into...

  • How to Wire an AC Delco 3 Wire Alternator

    The AC Delco 3 wire alternator was used in most General Motors products, and many types of heavy equipment, for a long...

  • Basic Theory of DC Generators

    Direct current (DC) is the flow of an electrical charge in one direction. Examples of this type of current include batteries and...

  • AC Alternator Failure Diagnostics

    Of all the components that make up a vehicle's charging system, the alternator is at the head of the pack. It is...

  • DIY Magnet Alternator

    Exposing an inductor to a variable magnetic field is one simple way to create alternating current (AC) electrical energy. As different parts...

  • AC & DC Theory

    Electric currents are formed from charges that move from one location to another. Alternating or AC currents have sinusoidal patterns, while direct...

  • Can a DC Alternator Be Converted to AC Voltage?

    An alternator, which converts motion into electricity, is often used to recharge batteries, especially in cars. It is a special type of...

  • How to Test the Alternator Field Current

    Alternators produce electricity while your engine is running in order to charge your battery and the electrical equipment in your car. Modern...

  • Basic Theory of Electrical Generators

    Nikola Tesla built the first AC motor and dynamo. He was originally employed at Thomas Edison's European division then came to the...

  • Why High-Amp Alternators?

    Stock alternators provide a vehicle's electrical needs as it leaves the assembly line. Many vehicles running additional electronics may rewuire a higher-amp...

  • How to Make an AC Magnetic Field

    Natural magnets are not the only way to generate a magnetic field. You can also make one with electricity. As Ampere's Law...

  • Car Alternator Functions

    Car Alternator Functions. The alternator on a car functions in several ways to increases the effectiveness of the vehicle's electric system. By...

  • Difference Between Alternators & Generators

    Comments. You May Also Like. Differences Between AC & DC Generators. Differences Between AC & DC Generators. Electromagnetic induction occurs when an...

  • What Is the Function and Job of a Car Alternator?

    The alternator's job is converting alternating electrical current from mechanical energy. The alternator serves the function of supplying the electrical energy needs...

  • DC Generator Vs. Alternator

    Generators and alternators are the primary methods of creating power. Generators create DC power and alternators create AC. In the early days...

  • What Is the Difference Bewteen an Alternator & DC Motor Generator?

    Generators were used to power vehicles before the invention of the alternator. DC generators produce direct current while alternators produce AC, or...

  • How to Diagnose Alternator Failure

    The alternator in a car is the device that produces and manages most of the electrical current running throughout the vehicle. Failure...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured