204
Figure 6.2 Alternator on a vehicle
A regulator, which controls rotor
magnetic field strength, is used
to control the output voltage of an
alternator as engine speed and
current demand change.
0 Automobile electrical and electronic systems
A regulator, which controls rotor magnetic field strength, is used to control the
output voltage of an alternator as engine speed and current demand change.
Manufacturers strive to produce ever more efficient machines. A modern
alternator’s high performance and efficiency are achieved primarily by a very
dense winding of the copper wire in the stator grooves. To do so, the wires are
first wound onto a flat stator core, which is easier to access, after which it is
then bent into the usual rounded form.
6.1.3 Vehicle electrical loads
The loads placed on an alternator can be considered as falling under three
separate headings: continuous, prolonged and intermittent. The charging system
of a modern vehicle has to cope with high demands under many varied conditions.
To give some Indication as to the output that may be required, consider the power
used by each individual component and add this total to the power required to
charge the battery. Table 6.1 lists the typical power requirements of various vehicle
systems. The current draw (to the nearest 0.5 A) at 14 and 28 V (nominal; alternator
output voltages for 12 and 24 V systems) is also given for comparison.
Figure 6.3 shows how the demands on the alternator have increased over the
years, together with a prediction of the future.
Current
demand
(amps)
200
160
120
80
40
0
1900 20 40 60 80 2000 20
Year
Figure 6.3 How the demands on the alternator have changed