The Evolution of the Alternator

Man Fixing Bus alternator

Cars are comprised of various parts and components, which all work together to make the vehicle perform successfully. Of these mechanisms, are the battery and other electrical equipment that require power to function. In order to allow this to happen, a charging system was developed to provide a source of energy to these various components. The alternator was created to sustain the electrical performance of vehicles.

Before the institution of the alternator, a generator was the source of power in a car. As time progressed, the alternator surfaced as a means to support the implementation of batteries in cars and other dynamic parts. Courtesy of evolution and the widespread need for efficiency, the alternator rose to its prominence. The alternator history is mentioned below.

What Is an Alternator?

Before, divulging into the alternator history, understanding what it is, is imperative. An alternator is a device typically found in cars that generates power or an electrical current. This flow of electric charge works to power the vehicle, primarily the parts that require electricity to function. These mechanisms include the battery, radio, and starter.

Before the Alternator Was the Generator

Today, vehicles have evolved to include different electrical components. Radios, digital screens, electronic starters, lights, and so much more have been added to cars. The first initial cars did not have batteries or the modern luxuries contemporary vehicles afford.

Instead, it was battery-free and was operated using a generator. Bells and gas-operated headlights were used completely undermining the initial need for additional electrical power. As opposed to alternators, generators, also known as a dynamo, were used to produce electricity.

Following the rise of the electric horn and other electrical parts, the alternator appeared. Poor use of the generator, such as its drawback of overcharging batteries, also prompted this shift.

Institution Of the Alternator

French inventor Hippolyte Pixii is revered for his construction of the first alternator in 1832. However, the invention posed complex as he was unsure of how to manage electric current that reversed its direction. Alternatively, a commutator was created to produce direct current.

Eventually stemming from his inventions followed various types of alternators in different mediums of transportation. These include marine alternators, radio alternators, automobile alternators and others.

As time progressed, automobiles became more advanced, eventually requiring the initial alternator as invented by Pixii. Vehicles began to consist of electrical components and systems that needed more power. The 1950s and continuing in the 1960s were times of notable change for automobiles. In the mid-1950s primarily, car manufacturers began to switch to 12-volt electricals, and in the 1960s, cars became more equipped with electrical systems.

Alternator Closeup

Alternators became completely adopted as these advancements in the composition of cars transformed. They required a system that computed more energy and operated with improved competency. Hence the reliability of alternators outperformed generators. Today, their dependability has persevered. These mechanisms are still used and comprise the foundation of charging systems in electric vehicles.

Elreg Provides What You Need

Here at Elreg, we service a range of fleets in different industries. As leaders in our field, we continue to expand and meet the demands of our clients. For all of your alternator, starter and fleet needs, contact Elreg Distributors.

Links: https://www.elreg.com/blog/a-history-of-alternators/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternator_(automotive)#History

http://knowhow.napaonline.com/history-car-charging-system/

https://www.autonews.com/article/19960626/ANA/606260761/60-plymouth-s-alternator-kicked-off-the-age-of-automotive-electronics

https://www.denso-am.eu/media/corporate-news/2016/june-newsletter-alternator-technology-powered-by-change/