

When an electric current is passed through a coil of wire, a magnetic field is produced (an electromagnet). Conversely, when a magnetic field is moved through a coil of wire, a voltage is induced in the wire. The induced voltage becomes a current when the electrons have some place to go such as into a battery or other load. Both of these actions take place in brushless alternators, motors and ac generators or dynamos. Voltage is generated when a coil of wire is moved through a magnetic field. It doesn’t matter whether the coil is moving or the magnetic field is moving. Either configuration works equally well and both are used separately or in combination depending on mechanical, electrical and other objectives. The old DC generators (dynamos) used a stationary field and rotating armature. Automotive alternators use the opposite configuration with a rotating field and stationary armature. In a alternator, both configurations are used in one machine.