A vehicle can’t run without electricity, and an alternator is the system that generates the power to make this happen. Working together with the battery, the alternator creates energy for all the electrical components in a vehicle. The guide below offers more about this process and how each component works to generate this power.

Parts of an Alternator

Stator

The stator is a stationary iron component with wire windings that sits inside the alternator casing. It acts as one half of the electrical power source by providing a rotating magnetic field that the stator converts into an electric current.

Rotor

While the stator is stationary, the rotor rotates with the engine RPM of your vehicle to create the other half of the electrical power source. As it turns, the rotor creates a current in the stator’s windings that is transported to the vehicle’s battery.

Rectifier

The rectifier converts the electrical current generated by the stator and rotor into a direct current so that the electricity produced can be sent to your vehicle’s battery. The rectifier uses diodes to force the electrical current to flow in only one direction.

Regulator

As implied by its name, the regulator helps regulate the current that flows from the alternator to the battery.

How Alternators Make Electricity

The rotor and the stator generate power as the engine rotates. When the rotor spins past the stationary stator windings, it creates an alternating magnetic field and produces a subsequent alternating current in the stator.

This current is fed through the stator and leads into the connecting set of rectifier diodes, which block and direct the current. The diodes only allow current to pass in one direction and feed it directly to the battery.

Because too much or too little voltage can damage the battery and other electrical components, the regulator ensures the alternator is creating the correct amount.

 

If you need help with your alternator, ask the team at Eubanks Auto Electric, Inc. Located in De Kalb, TX, these qualified mechanics work with trucks, tractors, boats, ATVs, and forklifts, ensuring affordable rates and top-notch customer service. Providing everything from starter and winch repair to assistance with all types of alternators, they’ll get the job done right every time. Give them a call at (903) 667-2081 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit them online to learn more about their services.