What is the difference between a dymano and an alternator

Just wondered what the differences are as I know dymano's used to produce the elecricity in cars before alternators. I thought an alaternator was just a heavey duty dymano.

 

It's dynamo btw .

I don't know if you've heard of it AT, but there's a really cool site on the net called Google. It lets you search for things .

I typed in "difference between dynamo and alternator" and the very first link I got was this one:

http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AlternatorGeneratorTheory.htm

...which will explain it more fully than anyone is likely to respond here.

Michael.

 

In simple terms

An alternator produces AC electric - then a rectifier takes off the low peaks of the current and gives you a semi stable current.

A Dynamo produces DC electric - less efficient

 

A dynamo is what you are AT.
An alternator is what Technobear is.
Or maybe it's the other way round

 

"Magnets"

Stuart

 

dynamo D.C
alternator A.C,

 

So AT is DC not AC ?

 

Yes, alternators generate AC but most car alternators have the rectifier already built into them and so give out DC, which is what you need to charge the battery of the car.

Alternators are far more efficient and can generate enough current to charge the battery even when the engine is running at idle wherease as dynamo (in a car) usually can't the battery at idle revs.

It's all explained in great detail in the link I gave above.

Michael.

 

Thanks so a car with a dynamo would have have to use the battery for a power source when ideling? So I assume if the car had its light on, winds wipers on etc the battery could go flat?

 

I don't think cars have had dynamos for 40 years. It's just what old gits call an alternator. Technically the difference is as stated above. Dynamo = DC motor being driven by something.

 

Yes, if you left it for long enough. But, as Graham C said, cars haven't had dynamos for donkey's years.

Michael.

 

I am refering to the Mini, apparantly the early models used Dynamos instead of an alternator although this was quiickly changed by the mid 1960's. I know my dads Lada had an alternator and that was basicaly a rusian built Fiat 124 with a more modern dashboard.

 

Hears one for you AT a Alternator will not charge a battery!!!

 

you need a garage.

 

Right then rob discharge your battery to say 1/2 charge then run around as usual for a couple of months then check it and see. An Alternator only keeps the battery as charged as what is in it!! Don't believe me then try it

Gaz