Download Charging System Fundamentals

Charging System
Fundamentals
Chapter 34
Page 449
The Alternator
System Diagram
Battery
Alternator
The Alternator
Locations Can Vary
V- Belt Pulley
Serpentine Belt Pulley
Parts Breakdown
Alternating Current (AC)
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The rotor is a shaft wrapped the wire, when a
voltage is introduced– it produces an
electromagnet
The stator is a series of three wire wrappings
that are stationary
As the rotor turns in side the stator ring–
current is induced (produced) making current
flow
Magnetic Field
Rotor
Alternator Rotor and Magnetic Poles
Stator
Voltage Output Patterns
Positive
Negative
One stator winding
13 -14 volts
All three windings
Converted to positive only!
Diodes
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One way check valve- allows current to flow in one
direction but not in reverse
This is how the negative voltage that is produced in the
alternator is not allows to the battery.
Sets are usually placed in a heat sink- they get extremely
hot– the sink can dissipate this heat
Electrical Connection
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Brushes allow for contact with rotor
Power is controlled from the ignition switch
Slip Rings and Brushes
The Fan Draws Air From the Rear
Through to the Front Cooling Internal
Components
Cooling Fan
Voltage Regulator
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Maintain voltage between 13 and 15.5 volts
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Under 13 would not charge battery
Over will overload the electrical circuits, especially
computer controlled components.
External voltage regulators
were used until the 1980’s
Internal regulators are used in
many alternators
On board computers have eliminated the need for regulators in today’s vehicles
Your Job.
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Complete chapter Questions 1-10 (review) and
1-5 (ASE-style). Page 457-458
Write on a separate paper and write out the
complete question and your answer. ( do not
write the other answer options).
Complete the chapter worksheet (I will give it
out). You may write on it.
File all items in your note book.
Notebooks will be graded in the future.