Auto Chapter 32

alternator

a generator that uses mechanical (engine) power to produce electricity

alternator rectifier

also called a diode assembly

diode assembly

also known as an alternator rectifier, it uses 6 diodes to convert stator output (alternating current) to direct current

AC generator

also known as the alternator, is more efficent, lighter, smaller and more dependable than the dc generator; it also produces more output at idle

charge indicator

ammeter, voltmeter, or warning light that informs the driver of the charging system condition

diode

an electronic device that allows current flow in only one direction

voltage regulator

an electronic device that controls the output voltage and current of the alternator.

integral voltage regulator

an electronic regulator comprised of integrated circuits and mounted inside or on the rear of the alternator; it is the most commonly used type in todays vehicles; it is small, efficient & dependable

alternator slip rings

are mounted on the rotor shaft to provide current to the rotor windings; each end of the field coil connects to one of the slip rings.

diode trio

may be used to supply current to the rotor field windings; 3 diodes are connected to the field through a connection in the voltage regulator

ammeter indicator

measures current output of alternator

voltmeter indicator

measures voltage output of alternator

charging system

recharges the battery after engine cranking or after the use of electrical accessories with the engine shut off; it supplies all the vehicles electricity when the engine is running; it provides a voltage output that is slightly higher than battery voltage; and it changes output to meet different electrical loads

power train control

sometimes used to supplement or replace the conventional voltage regulator to more precisely control the charging circuit

charging voltage

the voltage regulator keeps the alternator output at a preset charging voltage of 13-15 volts, which is higher than battery voltage; current flows back into the battery and recharges it

alternator brushes

they ride on the slip rings to make a sliding electrical connection

forward biased

when a diode is connected to a voltage source in such a way that current passes through the diode; it acts as a conductor

recifier assembly housing

consists of 6 diodes to convert strator output to direct current, a heat sink or diode plate and electrical terminals

fan and pulley assembly

consists of a fan, spacer, pulley, lock washer and pulley nut

alternator rotor

consists of the field windings mounted on a shaft, 2 claw poles surround the field windings to increase magnetic strength, and a rotor shaft and slip rings

alternator stator

consists of three stator windings or coils, stator core and output wires; the strator produces the electrical output of the alternator

DC generator

contains a stationary magnetic field; the output conductor unit (amature) spins inside this field which induces current output from within the amature

delta type stator

has the stator wires connected end to end; it is used in high-output alternators

y-type stator

has the wire ends from the stator windings connected to a neutral junction; it provides good current output at low engine speeds