I have read enough posts on the differences on alternators and generators that are not exactly the way it is.
alternators do have brushes also. The rotor(rotating element)is the field winding. It is fed by a dc current from the built in regulator(most but not all) through brushes passing current to the rotor Field winding). The current is produced in the stator, the stationary part of the alternator. As the current is generated in an alternating current , it has to be rectified with diodes before it enters the direct current battery system.
One advantage of the alternator is that the larger current flow the current out does not flow through brushes reducing maintenance.
Another advantage is that the field is all winding and no magnets. This enables full excitation at low rpms.
Another advantage is that the rotor is much less mass and the rotor stresses at high rpms is less than that of a generator. This means that the pulley used on a alternator can be sized for higher rpm at idle and all the way to max rpm of the engine. This increases the power available at all engine rpm.
The major disadvantage of the alternator is the diodes and the voltage regulator are built in. Very few people can take an alternator apart and replace the diodes or brushes and or the voltage regulator. So most people will likely replace the whole alternator.
Also alternators break down SUDDENLY more than alternators. One jumpstart start on my ford diesel truck lead to an overcharge driving home that burnt a diode so bad it broke and fell into the alternator and took out a fusible link that stopped me black on the highway in the middle of the night. Tow truck home thing after that. Another car I had ran good until a cold day when the heater and wipers were on. Then it would start missing and would barely run. Finally realizing it ran worse with the loading on the alternator I replaced the diode the was firing both ways making voltage spiking in the dc system screwing up the electronic ignition.
Generators take the power off the rotor through slip rings. The slip rings are a segmented commutator ring that the brushes rub against and take the current from the rotor. The segments are paired 180 degrees apart so that the positive and negative brushes are opposite to each other. Depending on where the rotor is is located in relation to the field the voltage produced will vary. This means that the commutator segments that pulls the current off while the rotor is in a 90 degree angle to the field will be the highest voltage produced. The current will be in a ripple current rising and lowering every revolution of the generator. Generator advantages
The generator field windings are in the stationary part of the generator. Part of the field are from permanent magnets. If your battery is dead you can still push or pull start you vehicle.
Generators seldom break down suddenly. Voltage regulators fail more often , but if you pull the cover and push the right coil you can start charging and drive home or finish your job.
IMHO If you run many auxiliaries off your electrical system the alternator is the only way to go.
If you very seldom even use your lights a generator is the better bet in the long run.
As my tractors are toys , I will be keeping all my tractors with generators.
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