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