Which aircraft component converts mechanical energy into electrical energy?

The generator is the aircraft component that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction. In a typical setup, a generator consists of coils of wire that are rotated within a magnetic field. As the mechanical energy (usually from the aircraft's engine) drives this rotation, it induces an electrical current in the wire, effectively transforming the mechanical motion into usable electrical energy.

This process is critical in aviation, as it provides the necessary power for various systems onboard the aircraft, including instrumentation, lighting, and avionics. Generators typically produce direct current (DC) which can then be converted if needed for specific applications.

While the other components listed have distinct functions within the aircraft’s electrical system, they do not primarily perform the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy in the same way the generator does. For example, transformers increase or decrease voltage levels in electrical circuits, inverters convert direct current into alternating current, and alternators also generate electrical power but are designed for different applications, primarily supplying alternating current. However, in the context of the question, it's the generator that is fundamentally responsible for the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.