The Electrical Portal: Difference Between Alternator and Generator

In this article we are going to discuss about the difference between alternator and generator. Both are an electrical machines still there are many differences between them.

Difference Between Alternator and Generator

Alternator

Generator

1.

Alternator generates higher output than Generator.

Generator generates lower output than Alternator.

2.

It cannot be used to charge dead battery because here is possibility of burn out.

It can be used to charge a dead battery.

3.

Alternator generates only AC power in every condition.

Generator generates both AC power or DC power according to their construction.

4.

Alternator = AC synchronous generator

Which means if Generator rotate at synchronous speed then it’s called Alternator.

AC synchronous generator = Alternator

5.

Alternator generates alternating EMF at its output terminal.

Generator generates constant EMF at its output terminal.

6.

It is used only for alternating current generation.

It is used for both alternating current generation and direct current generation.

7.

Alternator has stationary Armature and rotating magnetic field.

Generator has stationary magnetic field and rotating Armature for high voltage output but in case of low voltage output rotating armature and rotating magnetic field are used.

8.

Alternator is only of one type which generates only AC power.

Generator is of two types, AC generator and DC generator.

9.

Alternator is an electrical machine which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy or AC power.

Generator is become (Engine + Alternator) and its name is generator. It converts mechanical power into electrical AC power or DC power.

10.

It works on faraday law of electromagnetic induction.

It works on faraday law of electromagnetic induction.

11.

Alternator has DC field which generates constant magnetic field in Armature.

Generator has permanent magnet which generates constant magnetic field in stator.

12.

In alternator we take supply from its stator.

In generator we take supply from rotor. It is a major difference between alternator and generator.

13.

It contains AC voltage.

It contains AC or DC voltage. Simply we can say that it contains DC voltage.

These were some main difference between alternator and generator. Comment below you find anything incorrect in above article.

	Alternator	Generator
1.	Alternator generates higher output than Generator.	Generator generates lower output than Alternator.
2.	It cannot be used to charge dead battery because here is possibility of burn out.	It can be used to charge a dead battery.
3.	Alternator generates only AC power in every condition.	Generator generates both AC power or DC power according to their construction.
4.	Alternator = AC synchronous generator Which means if Generator rotate at synchronous speed then it’s called Alternator.	AC synchronous generator = Alternator
5.	Alternator generates alternating EMF at its output terminal.	Generator generates constant EMF at its output terminal.
6.	It is used only for alternating current generation.	It is used for both alternating current generation and direct current generation.
7.	Alternator has stationary Armature and rotating magnetic field.	Generator has stationary magnetic field and rotating Armature for high voltage output but in case of low voltage output rotating armature and rotating magnetic field are used.
8.	Alternator is only of one type which generates only AC power.	Generator is of two types, AC generator and DC generator.
9.	Alternator is an electrical machine which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy or AC power.	Generator is become (Engine + Alternator) and its name is generator. It converts mechanical power into electrical AC power or DC power.
10.	It works on faraday law of electromagnetic induction.	It works on faraday law of electromagnetic induction.
11.	Alternator has DC field which generates constant magnetic field in Armature.	Generator has permanent magnet which generates constant magnetic field in stator.
12.	In alternator we take supply from its stator.	In generator we take supply from rotor. It is a major difference between alternator and generator.
13.	It contains AC voltage.	It contains AC or DC voltage. Simply we can say that it contains DC voltage.