Alternator (Delco-Remy)
The alternator is driven by V-type belts from the crankshaft pulley. This alternator is a three phase, self-rectifying charging unit, and the regulator is part of the alternator.
This alternator design has no need for slip rings or brushes, and the only part that has movement is the rotor assembly. All conductors that carry current are stationary. The conductors are: the field winding, stator windings, six rectifying diodes, and the regulator circuit components.
The rotor assembly has many magnetic poles like fingers with air space between each opposite pole. The poles have residual magnetism (like permanent magnets) that produce a small amount of magnet-like lines of force (magnetic field) between the poles. As the rotor assembly begins to turn between the field winding and the stator windings, a small amount of alternating current (AC) is produced in the stator windings from the small magnetic lines of force made by the residual magnetism of the poles. This AC current is changed to direct current (DC) when it passes through the diodes of the rectifier bridge. Most of this current goes to charge the battery and to supply the low amperage circuit, and the remainder is sent on to the field windings. The DC current flow through the field windings (wires around an iron core) now increases the strength of the magnetic lines of force. These stronger lines of force now increase the amount of AC current produced in the stator windings. The increased speed of the rotor assembly also increases the current and voltage output of the alternator.
The voltage regulator is a solid state (transistor, stationary parts) electronic switch. It feels the voltage in the system and switches on and off many times a second to control the field current (DC current to the field windings) for the alternator to make the needed voltage output.
DELCO-REMY ALTERNATOR (Typical Example)
1. Regulator. 2. Roller bearing. 3. Stator winding. 4. Ball bearing. 5. Rectifier bridge. 6. Field winding. 7. Rotor assembly. 8. Fan.
Alternator (Motorola)
The alternator is a three phase, self-rectifying charging unit that is driven by V-type belts. The only part of the alternator that has movement is the rotor assembly. Rotor assembly (4) is held in position by a ball bearing at each end of the rotor shaft.
The alternator is made up of a front frame at the drive end, rotor assembly (4), stator assembly (3), rectifier assembly, brushes and holder assembly (5), slip rings (1) and rear end frame. Fan (2) provides heat removal by the movement of air thru the alternator.
Rotor assembly (4) has field windings (wires around an iron core) that make magnetic lines of force when direct current (DC) flows thru them. As the rotor assembly turns, the magnetic lines of force are broken by stator assembly (3). This makes alternator current (AC) in the stator. The rectifier assembly has diodes that change the alternating current (AC) from the stator to direct current (DC). Most of the DC current goes to charge the battery and make a supply for the low amperage circuit. The remainder of the DC current is sent to the field windings thru the brushes.
ALTERNATOR
1. Slip rings. 2. Fan. 3. Stator assembly. 4. Rotor assembly. 5. Brush and holder assembly.
Voltage Regulator (Motorola)
The voltage regulator is not fastened to the alternator, but is mounted separately and is connected to the alternator with wires. The regulator is a solid state (transistor, stationary parts) electronic switch. It feels the voltage in the system and switches on and off many times a second to control the field current (DC current to the field windings) for the alternator to make the needed voltage output. There is a voltage adjustment for this regulator to change the alternator output.
ALTERNATOR REGULATOR (MOTOROLA)
1. Cap for adjustment screw.