AC generator

Rotating electricity source

An AC generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into alternating current electricity.

The rotation of a coil within a magnetic field induces current that reverses direction cyclically, producing the alternating current that powers most electrical grids and household outlets.

Also called an alternator.

Related
  • alternatorMechanical-to-electrical energy converter
  • rotorSpinning mechanical assembly
  • statorImmobile motor component
  • coilWound circular arrangement
  • armatureRotating electromagnetic coil

magnetic field · turbine · power plant · electricity · magnetic · winding · voltage · power · spinning · copper · shaft · frequency · hertz · induction · electromagnetic · brushes · mechanical · rotation

Opposites
current type produced

AC generatordynamo

Motion-to-electricity converter

magneto

power source vs. power consumer

AC generatorelectric motor

Converts current to motion

load · electrical load

active generation vs. passive storage

AC generatorbattery

Portable electricity storage

capacitor · power bank · accumulator · supercapacitor · fuel cell

Family

AC, generator, generate, generates, generated, generating, generation, generations, generative

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G