Alternators

An alternator is a kind of generator which gives a DC voltage. If the output of an alternator is direct current, the AC voltage is actually created and then converted to DC as voltage leaves the alternator on its way to the battery and the electrical loads. The alternator contains a rotating field winding called the rotor, a stationary induction winding called the stator, a diode assembly called the rectifier bridge, a control device called the voltage regulator and two internal fans to promote air circulation as shown in figure 12. The main usage of an alternator is working with the battery to generate power for the electrical components of a vehicle, like the interior and exterior lights, and the instrument panel.

Figure 12
Voltage regulator of an alternator The regulator is the brain of the charging system. It monitors both battery and stator voltages and depending on the measured voltages, the regulator will adjust the amount of rotor field current to control the output of the alternator. Also the regulators can be mounted both internal and external of an alternator. Voltage regulator of an alternator is shown in figure 13.

figure 13

Diode Rectifier of an alternator The diode rectifier bridge is responsible for the conversion of AC voltage to DC voltage. Half of the total diodes (Six or Eight diodes are used to rectify the AC stator voltage to DC voltage) are used on the positive and the other half is used on the negative side. Diode Rectifier of an alternator is shown in figure 14.

Figure 14 Rotor of an alternator A basic rotor consists of an iron core, coil winding, two slip rings and two claw-shaped pole pieces. Also there are support bearings and one or two internal cooling fans.Also the rotor contains the field winding wound over an iron core which is part of the shaft. There are two claw-type finger poles surrounding the field coil .Each end of the rotor field winding is attached to a slip ring. Stationary brushes connect the alternator to the rotor. The rotor assembly is

supported by bearings. One on the shaft the other in the drive frame. A rotor of an alternator is shown in figure 15.

Figure 15 Stator of an alternator The stator is made with three sets of windings. Each winding is placed is a different position compared with the others. A laminated iron frame concentrates the magnetic field. Stator lead ends output current to the diode rectifier bridge. A stator of an alternator is shown in figure 16.

Figure 16 As the rotor assembly rotates within the stator winding: The alternating magnetic field from the spinning rotor induces an alternating voltage into the stator winding. The strength of the magnetic field and the speed of the rotor affect the amount of voltage induced into the stator.