what is an alternator

An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. It is a device that supplies electricity to be stored in a vehicles battery. The alternator works by taking in mechanical power from a drive belt or serpentine belt connected to the engines crankshaft pulley and then converting this mechanical energy into electricity. The alternator is generally mounted to the front of the engine and has a belt running around it. The key components of an alternator include the rotor and stator, which are the electricity-producing components of an alternator. The rotor, a cylindrical piece surrounded by magnets, spins inside of the stator, which holds a fixed set of conductive copper wiring. The movement of the magnets over the wiring is what ultimately creates electricity. The alternator produces AC power through electromagnetism formed through the stator and rotor relationship, and the electricity is channeled into the battery, providing voltage to run the electrical components of a vehicle.