Alternator Advantages

It's no secret that an alternator is a very efficient and high output device compared to a
generator. An alternator, having the current generated in the outer windings (called the
stator) provides an alternator with a distinct advantage. The stator windings can be thick
high capacity cable, they can be long and it's easier to induce the higher voltage and
current in them by exploiting the dv/dt factor of a generating device. The dv/dt factor
means that the faster a magnet goes past a wire, the more power the magnet induces in
the wire. The stator windings of an alternator can be made thick and plentiful because
there is increased space available to accommodate them. The voltage in an Alternator
is produced by having an electrically controlled electromagnet rotated by the alternator's
centre shaft.


85 amp Bosch Alternator on a 202 powered UC Torana. Note the Alternator uses a Fuel
Injector type Connector. Click to Enlargen. Photo by T.

The Regulator measures the output of the alternator and increases the current feed to
the rotor when the voltage is low, and decreases the current to the rotor when the
voltage is high. The Regulator supplies pulsed current to the rotor, too much at one
instant followed by too little at the next instant. The average of too much/too little is the
correct output voltage. Alternators can automatically current limit once the loading on
the magnetic flux is exceeded that's why they don't need a current limiting relay.
Because it uses diodes to rectify the alternating current generated in the stator
windings, alternators cannot self excite. They are not able to generate sufficient voltage
from the residual magnetic flux stored in the rotor's winding to overcome the forward
bias voltage of the diodes. The diodes need in excess of 0.5 volts applied to them
before they will conduct. Alternators are 3 phase devices. They are effectively three
alternators in one, connected in parallel but 120 degrees apart so they deliver power in
sequential intervals. Because an alternator has 6 power diodes it allows the output of
the 3 phases to be connected together further boosting the device's efficiency. It also
has 3 exciter diodes which are used by the regulator to excite the rotor once the
alternator starts producing power.

Alternators have several advantages over direct-current generators. They are lighter,
cheaper and more rugged. They use slip rings providing greatly extended brush life over
a commutator. The brushes in an alternator carry only excitation current, a small fraction
of the current carried by the brushes of a DC generator, which carry the generator's
entire output. A set of rectifiers (diode bridge) is required to convert AC to DC. To
provide direct current with low ripple, a three-phase winding is used and the pole-pieces
of the rotor are shaped (claw-pole) to produce a waveform similar to a square wave
instead of a sinusoid. Automotive alternators are usually belt driven at 2-3 times
crankshaft speed. The alternator runs at various RPM (which varies the frequency)
since it is driven by the engine. This is not a problem because the alternating current is
rectified to direct current.

Alternator are things by which people can use as a converter, this is a very good thing
to be use. There are lots of things which are good in their brand they are trying for this
type converter to make for the people but they are not successful at it. So there is a
huge problem with it. There are lots of different type problem now arise with this
converter. This converter is not only converts certain thing it can also give feedback
which you have inputted inside it. So it is a very good process for the people but by this
person cant take their proper because it works not properly if there is a huge work then
it gets some problem with it.
Alternator Disadvantages
Generally an Alternator cannot self excite at as low a speed as a generator, but some of
the late model high capacity can self excite if the RPM becomes high enough.

1.Though both Alternator & Generator are a source of noise even working properly.But
the alternator seems to be much more offensive than generator.It is generally more
difficult to remove the noise caused by the alternator.
2.Alternator is much more easily damaged than is the generator.The diodes can be
damaged by accidentally connecting an external power unit to the aircraft with the
polarity reversed.
3.This one is really interesting.The generator will usually work fine without the battery,it
means if during flying battery fails the generator will continue to supply the voltage to
run the system.The alternator will generally also continue to work without the battery.But
the problem comes when we ask both to start generating from 0 output volt with no
battery.The generator can produce some voltage to get the thing started because its
metal retains some magnetism(residual magnetism),even field is not energized.But the
Alternator can't because it does not have any residual magnetism.


Automotive alternators have advantages over DC generators as they use slip ring which
provides an extended brush life over a split-ring commutator. Alternators allow the
current to be changed to DC when needed.