Alternators

Alternators, dynamo-electric machines that generate alternating current; in the narrow sense, single-phase current dynamos. Sometimes alternators are also called three-phase current dynamos. The number of periods per second is most often 50. Alternators consist of a stationary part—the stator—in the conductors of which current is induced, and a rotating part—the rotor—which is a drum on which electromagnets are mounted, creating a magnetic field. Current to the latter is conducted by means of two rings, along which, during rotation of the rotor, so-called brushes slide. In low-voltage alternators, sometimes the stator and rotor exchange roles: the magnets are placed stationary, and the winding in which current is induced is applied to the rotating drum.