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Alternator (automotive)
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<p>An alternator is a type of <a href="/facts/Electric_generator/5sATsUGX">electric generator</a> used in modern <a href="/facts/Automobile/I1IsH8IK">automobiles</a> to charge the <a href="/facts/Automotive_battery/bCNgs1nc">battery</a> and to power the electrical system when its <a href="/facts/Internal_combustion_engine/Ju4BXzj0">engine</a> is running. </p><p>Until the 1960s, automobiles used DC <a href="/facts/Dynamo/REfYHz3k">dynamo</a> generators with <a href="/facts/Commutator_(electric)/T89yIo7u">commutators</a>. As <a href="/facts/Diode/JyaoyGnk">silicon-diode</a> rectifiers became widely available and affordable, the <a href="/facts/Alternator/r9KEPP9d">alternator</a> gradually replaced the dynamo. This was encouraged by the increasing electrical power required for cars in this period, with increasing loads from larger headlamps, electric wipers, <a href="/facts/Defogger/wM0BoKSn">heated rear windows</a>, and other accessories. </p>