How Do Car Generators Work?
Dynamo A car generator is a dynamo. It is able to produce electricity through the rotation of tightly wound fine wires in a magnetic field. This magnetic field is maintained by a fixed arrangement of magnets or electromagnets surrounding the spinning windings of wire. The current and voltage produced depends on the speed at which the wires spin and the strength of the magnetic field. Armature The spinning and winding of wires in a car generator is called the armature. This component rotates through an arrangement of belts and pulleys that are connected to the car’s engine. The speed of the rotation is thus controlled by the speed of the engine. A car generator can put out its maximum power only at a minimum engine speed or above it. Commutator Attached to the armature is the commutator, and the main purpose of this device is to convert the alternating current (AC) generated by the spinning armature to direct current (DC). This step is necessary because the car’s other electrical device
