There are two types of Alternator used on aircraft.......DC alternator(used on light aircraft) & AC alternator(Used on Heavy aircraft).In AC alternator the final output is AC while in DC alternator it is DC.
Here we will discuss about difference between DC Alternator & DC generator.
The function of Alternator and its regulator is almost same as Generator. The Basic difference is that the Alternator produces an AC voltage and this voltage is rectified to make the DC voltage needed by the system...While Generator produces DC because of the way the rotating coil is wound and the way the brushes pick up the voltage from the coil. The alternator don't need any brushes for taking output.
Advantage of Alternator over Generator:
Almost everyone is using alternator for two main reasons.
1.The alternator will produce its rated output at a much lower RPM than will the generator.This is a great advantage.
2.The alternator is mechanically simpler than generator, it does not have the brushes that wear out,so the alternator normally last much longer with no maintenance.
There is also a third reason that for producing same output the size of DC generator is much bigger than DC alternator.
Disadvantage of Alternator over generator:
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.
Here we will discuss about difference between DC Alternator & DC generator.
The function of Alternator and its regulator is almost same as Generator. The Basic difference is that the Alternator produces an AC voltage and this voltage is rectified to make the DC voltage needed by the system...While Generator produces DC because of the way the rotating coil is wound and the way the brushes pick up the voltage from the coil. The alternator don't need any brushes for taking output.
Advantage of Alternator over Generator:
Almost everyone is using alternator for two main reasons.
1.The alternator will produce its rated output at a much lower RPM than will the generator.This is a great advantage.
2.The alternator is mechanically simpler than generator, it does not have the brushes that wear out,so the alternator normally last much longer with no maintenance.
There is also a third reason that for producing same output the size of DC generator is much bigger than DC alternator.
Disadvantage of Alternator over generator:
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.
thankyou for explaning well now i completly understand how alternator works
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