What is the primary function of a rectifier in an electrical system?

The primary function of a rectifier in an electrical system is to change alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This conversion is essential because many electronic devices and circuits operate on DC. Rectifiers achieve this by allowing current to flow in only one direction, effectively filtering out the alternating component of the AC waveform and producing a unidirectional flow of electrical energy.

In practical applications, rectifiers are commonly found in power supplies for devices like computers and televisions, where a stable DC voltage is required. They can be simple diodes used for basic rectification or more complex circuits involving multiple diodes in configurations like bridge rectifiers for improved efficiency and voltage regulation.

The other options focus on functions that do not pertain to the primary role of a rectifier. While increasing voltage levels may be related to transformers, reducing electrical noise pertains more to filters, and storing electrical energy is the role of capacitors or batteries, none of which align with the core function of rectifiers in converting AC to DC.