Re: SL2 "generator" output

BANDIT2941 wrote:
> > An alternator is a generator. Both the old style generator with a commutator
> > and
> > an alternator with slip rings are electrical generators. Alternators produce
> > alternating current which is rectified into direct current (usually
> > internally).
> > So I think trying to bust somebody for calling an alternating current
> > generator a
> > generator is a little too picky.
>
>
> Yes - but the difference is a generator generates electricity without
> energizing the field. In other words, take 2 cars, one with a generator, one
> with an alternator. Take the battery out of each. Roll down a hill and pop the
> clutch in 3rd gear. The car with the generator will start, while the car with
> the alternator will not.
>
> While one may be a form of the other, they are different things, at least in
> this circumstance.

Actually, I've many times pop-started a car with an alternator. 
Generally there's enough juice in the battery to power the ignition, 
just not enough to run the starter.

Whether or not a generator is self-energizing or not depends on the 
mutual design of generator and voltage regulator.  Alternator 
voltage regulators aren't designed to depend on self-energizing, so 
alternators aren't designed with the "hard" pole pieces needed to 
maintain magnetism when not powered.  Using softer poles allows for 
higher peak magnetic flux and less hysteresis loss.

--
Dan Hicks
There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not 
know till he takes up a pen to write.  --William Makepeace Thackeray