Since an automobile uses direct current (DC), alternators are equipped with diodes, or one-way electrical valves, that convert AC to DC.

They take a battery DC supply and produce a three-phase AC suitable to drive a delta-connected motor, and they work well with converted alternators.

The company is now developing a dc-to-ac converter that will provide power for ac devices, including the air-conditioning compressor, power-steering pump, fans, and water pumps on hybrid vehicles.