AC Generator (Alternator)

Electrical Engineering

How It Works

An alternating current (AC) generator, or alternator, converts mechanical rotational energy into sinusoidal electrical energy via Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. As an armature coil rotates at constant angular frequency ω within a stationary uniform magnetic field established by stator poles, the effective cross-sectional area intercepting magnetic flux lines varies harmonically as a function of angle θ = ωt. This continuous variation in magnetic flux induces an alternating electromotive force that reverses polarity twice per mechanical revolution.

Governing Equation
e(t) = B · A · ω · sin(ω t)   |   Φ_B(t) = B · A · cos(ω t)   |   V_peak = N · B · A · ω