An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into AC electrical energy. A generator is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy to either AC or DC electrical energy. An alternator always induces an alternating current. ... Generators have a lower output when compared with an alternator.

1. GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING
COLLEGE, DAHOD
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
TOPIC NAME : DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENRATOR AND
ALTERNATOR
PRESENTED BY : -
1) SONI PARTH
2) PATEL NIL

3.  Components of an Electric Generator
 The main components of an electric generator are given below
 The Frame – the structure
 An Engine – source of mechanical energy
 The Alternator – produces an electrical output from the mechanical input
 A Fuel System – to keep the generator operational
 A Voltage Regulator – to regulate the voltage output
 A Cooling System – to regulate heat levels that build up in the system
 A Lubrication System – for durable and smooth operations over a span
 An Exhaust System – to dispose of the waste exhaust gases produced in the process
 A Charger – to keep the battery of the generator charged
 Main Control – the control panel controlling generator interface

4. GENRATOR
 What is generator ?
 A generator is a mechanical device
which converts mechanical energy to
either AC or DC electrical energy.
 Output Current
 A generator can generate either
alternating or direct current.
 Energy Efficiency
 Generators are considered less
efficient.
ALTERNATOR
 What is Alternator ?
 An alternator is a device that converts
mechanical energy into AC electrical
energy.
 Output Current
 An alternator always induces an
alternating current.
 Energy Efficiency
 Alternators are very efficient.

6. GENRATOR
 Output
 Generators have a lower output when
compared with an alternator.
 Energy Conservation
 Generators use all the energy that is
produced and so, they conserve less
energy.
 Magnetic Field
 In case of a generator, the magnetic
field is stationary or fixed where the
armature winding spins.
ALTERNATOR
 Output
 Alternators have higher output than
generators.
 Energy Conservation
 Alternators use only the required
amount of energy and thus, it
conserves more energy.
 Magnetic Field
 The magnetic field is rotating inside
the stator of an alternator.

7. Cummins 1500 kW Standby Diesel Generator– 277/480 V

8. GENRATOR ALTERNATOR
 Armature Movement
 The armature of a generator is
rotating.
 Input Supply
 The generator takes input supply
from the rotor.
 RPM (Rotation Per Minute) Range
 Generators have a low range of RPM.
 Armature Movement
 The armature of an alternator is
stationary.
 Input Supply
 The alternator takes input supply
from the stator.
 RPM (Rotation Per Minute) Range
 Alternators have a wide range of
RPM.

10. GENRATOR ALTERNATOR
 Size
 Generators are larger and require
more space to fit in.
 Brush Efficiency
 The brushes of generators last lesser
when compared to an alternator.
 Charging of a Dead Battery
 A generator can be used for charging
a dead battery.
 Size
 Alternators are generally smaller in
size
 Brush Efficiency
 The brushes of alternators last
longer.
 Charging of a Dead Battery
 Alternators will never charge a dead
battery.

11. GENRATOR ALTERNATOR
 Uses
 Generators are widely used to
produce large-scale electricity.
 Uses
 Alternators are mainly used in the
automobile industry as a charging
system for the battery.
GENRATOR

12. ALTERNATOR