Generators/Alternators in commercial and GA
Hi,
I'm trying to get my head around general electrical systems on commercial jet and light aircraft. At the moment I'm getting a little hung up on generators vs alternators.
Could someone please correct me if I've misunderstood:
Generators produce DC, Alternators produce AC. Generators are fairly old technology, shorter lifespan, less efficient. Alternators coupled with transformers and rectifiers to convert current between AC and DC as and when needed are therefore a favourable set up. Yet when I research the electrical systems for say the 737-800, online manuals insist that primary power is obtained from generators! Furthermore, other material I read (which I cannot now relocate) mentions that Alternators are mainly used in GA, and Generators are mainly used in commercial aviation. Am I missing something blindingly obvious?
Any advice would be appreciated