ALTERNATOR Meaning and
Definition
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An alternator is an electrical device that converts mechanical energy into alternating current (AC) electrical energy. It is primarily used in vehicles to generate electrical power for various systems, including the ignition system, lights, and electronic devices. The main function of an alternator is to recharge the battery and keep it at the optimal voltage level while the engine is running.
The alternator consists of several key components, including a rotor, stator, diode bridge, and voltage regulator. The rotor is connected to the engine's crankshaft and is responsible for producing a rotating magnetic field. The stator, which surrounds the rotor, features a set of windings that generate an AC electrical current as the magnetic field passes through them.
The AC current produced by the stator is converted into DC current by the diode bridge, which consists of multiple diodes. The voltage regulator controls the output voltage of the alternator, ensuring it stays within the desired range.
Unlike a generator, which produces direct current (DC) electricity, an alternator produces AC electricity. This is advantageous as AC current can be easily transformed into different voltage levels, making it more suitable for powering various electrical systems in a vehicle.
Overall, the alternator plays a vital role in the proper functioning of a vehicle's electrical system by providing a constant and regulated supply of electrical power while the engine is running.
Top Common Misspellings for ALTERNATOR *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ALTERNATOR
Etymology of ALTERNATOR
The word "alternator" has its roots in Latin and comes from the word "alternāre", which means "to do by turns" or "to alternate". This is derived from the prefix "alter", meaning "other" or "different". In the context of electrical engineering, an alternator is a device that produces alternating current (AC) by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The term "alternator" was first introduced in the late 19th century to describe this type of electrical generator, reflecting its ability to alternate the direction of current flow.
Similar spelling words for ALTERNATOR
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- alternate.
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