alternator

Generator of alternating current that is used especially in the automobile industry (powering electrical devices) and in power houses.

frame

Metal casing that houses the magnetic field.

shaft

Rod that is rotated by the pulley, which in turn causes the claw-pole rotor to rotate.

drive pulley

Mechanical unit integrated with the shaft; it is rotated by a belt that is connected to an engine.

collector rings

Insulated conductor collars that are connected to the coil of the field; they gather the induced alternating electric current.

brushes

Conductive parts that rub against the collector rings and transmit the current produced by the alternator to an outside circuit.

field winding

Conductive wire on the cylinder rotor; when exposed to an excitation current, it creates a magnetic field.

armature core

Fixed cylinder with a winding; the rotor turns within it to produce the electric current.

claw-pole rotor

Moving cylindrical part made up of a field winding between two pole shoes; it creates the rotating magnetic field required to operate the alternator.

armature winding

Conductive wire on the armature; the rotor moves in front of it to produce an alternating current.

fan wheel

Device with blades that circulates air to cool the alternator.