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 alternating current. The process of changing AC to DC is called rectification.

Function

• In a DC generator the coil of wire called an armature spins in a magnetic field. In an alternator, the magnetic field is spun inside a coil of wire called a stator.

DC Generator Vehicle

• A generator spins its armature to create a current. However, at lower speeds the generator cannot make a current, so vehicles run by generators cannot charge or maintain battery power at idle.

  Commutator

  • The current in a generator’s armature is alternating current, or AC, so to change it or rectify it a device called a commuter must be used. Overall, the output becomes DC.

  Alternator Vehicle

  • All modern-day vehicles have an alternator. The alternator is similar to a generator but can charge the battery and support higher amperages for electronics.

  Diodes

  • In an alternator, diodes change AC current into DC current. The diode can also do this without any moving parts.