Alternators and generators are electrical machines which are used to produce electric power through magnetic polarisation, with the primary objective of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Alternators are also known as a type of generator. Although the function of both of the devices is the same, their operation is different from each other.
Generators are mechanical devices which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. They can be either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). They are used to produce a bulk of power for running large scale operations.
Similar to generators, alternators use a common process to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. Alternators are also known as a synchronous generator because they convert mechanical energy into electrical at specific voltage and frequency. Alternators are energy-efficient devices as compare to generators because they can produce energy only when required, whereas generator produced power constantly.
Differences between alternators and generators