In the automotive environment, the alternator is used to recharge the vehicles battery (DC), which in turn powers the vehicles electronics. Since
output AC, so a diode rectifier is used to convert the AC into DC and a voltage regulator is used to distribute the power and control the electrical output going to the battery. The battery is the vehicles primary source of DC power, so when the engine is running, the alternator is continually charging the battery to keep if from dying.
How does an Alternator Work?
An alternator works by turning the up and down movement of the engines pistons into circular motion. The alternator is connected to the crankshaft through a series of pullies and belts. The alternator pulley is connected to the primary belt system, and thus the crankshaft, by the alternator belt. As the pulley spins with the crankshaft, a rotor spins inside the alternator. As the rotor spins, it passes three stationary copper windings on the stator ring. This produces an AC current; since there are three copper windings on the stator ring, this AC generation is referred to as a 3-Phase current. The current is fed from the stator through the stator leads into a series of diodes, which converts the AC into DC.
It should make sense then, that the faster the crankshaft spins (the higher the engine RPM's), the more power the alternator will produce and the faster the car battery will recharge.
Why does an Alternator Fail?
The most common reason alternators fail is due to the
alternator bearing overheating and getting damaged. When the bearing fails, the rotor can't spin efficiently enough to generate a charge, thus causing the vehicles electrical system to fail. Another cause, although less common, is for the alternator belt (serpentine belt) to get worn out. If the belt gets worn out, it will slip when it tries to rotate the alternator rotor, thus failing to generate a current. Both of these problems are fixable with parts, although it is sometimes cheaper to replace the alternator than it is to paying the labor rate to replace the alternator bearing.
Emissions Control Systems Parts
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