System Components

System Components

Battery

The Battery is the primary EMF source in the automobile. The automotive battery is an electromechanical device that provides the potential difference (voltage). The battery does not store electrical energy. It stores chemical energy that is converted to electrical energy as it discharges.

Generator

The Generator produces free electrons necessary to charge the battery. The electron flow is produced through inductance, a magnetized rotor spinning inside a stator. The generator produces AC voltage which is converted to DC voltage or rectified.

Generator styles:
- Brush Type
- Brushless Type

Air or liquid (coolant) is used for generator cooling.


NOTE: In an attempt to standardize terminology in the industry, the term alternator is being replaced with generator. Often an alternator is referred to as an AC generator.