Correct Terminology 1

[ccdubs]

I was wondering if the terms synchronous generator and alternator are interchangeable. I work in an office where the mechanical engineers perfer to call it an alternator whereas I simply call it a generator (leave out synchronous as we are only working with one type).

 

[jwerthman]

Same thing.

 

[ccdubs]

From the definitions of alternator that I have seen, they all seem to state that it is a device that produces an alternating voltage. If this definition is true, is an induction generator not an alternator also?

If it is, then calling our synch genny an alternator is correct but not precise and could lead to confusion.

 

[abeltio]

In my country alternator (female) also means a woman that works in bars trying to have the customers buy her drinks... she "generates" profit for herself and the bar... so, in essence, through a totally different approach we arrived at the same result... yep, generator = alternator.
Cheers.
Saludos
a.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: IEEE Std 100-2000 "Dictionary"
1. Alternator. An alternating-current generator.
2. Generator. A machine that converts mechanical power into electrical power.
(My preference is to use energy instead of power.)
It means that the generator is the more general expression including the alternator.

 

[coyney]

Correct terminology:-
A generator is a DC device.
An alternator is an AC device.