What is Alternator?

                     What is Alternator? 

An alternating current generator is called alternator. It works on the principle of
electromagnetic induction. An alternator is also called as AC Generator or synchronous generator.

Working principle of alternator:

An alternator works on the principle of faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. It
states that when there is a relative motion between magnetic field and a conductor an e.m.f is induced in the conductor.
Alternating voltages / current may be generated by two ways:

•  By rotating a coil in a magnetic field.
•  By rotating a magnetic field within a stationary coil.

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The quantity of voltages / current generated depends upon:

• The number of turns in the coil.
• Strength of the magnetic field 
• The speed at which the coil of magnetic fields rotates.

 It is seen that the induced E.M.F. varies as sine function of the time angle t. This curve is
known as sine wave and the E.M.F which varies in this manner is known as sinusoidal E.M.F.
e = Em sin ωt
Where, e = Instantaneous voltage
Em = Maximum voltage
ωt = Angular velocity of the coil