Car Generator - the principle of operation

A car generator is a device that converts the mechanical energy of a crankshaft into an electric one. It is used for charging the car battery and for supplying the ignition system, automotive lighting equipment, diagnostics system, on-board computer, etc. The car generator must be characterized by high technological characteristics, as it ensures the uniform operation of many components of modern machines.

In modern vehicles, synchronous electric three-phase AC machines are used. Due to the variable speed of the car engine, the voltage level is maintained. To do this, use a voltage regulator that controls the current in the generator excitation winding.

In order for the car generator to generate electricity after the engine is started, it is necessary to apply voltage to the excitation winding. This process occurs after the driver turns the key in the ignition switch. The current that passes in the excitation winding is under the control of the voltage regulator. And the rotor of the generator starts its work from the V-belt through the pulley. The electromagnetic field, which is created by the excitation winding, induces an electric current in the winding. This is the basic principle of the car generator.

It is worth mentioning what the car generator consists of. This is a nut, spring washer, pulley, washer, clamping bolt, cover (drive side), bearing cover, actual front and rear bearings, fan, rectifier unit, key, rotor, stator, voltage regulator and brush holder. These are the main components of any standard generator.

Properly selected car generator will never lead to the fact that the car battery will be discharged. This detail of the machine today has small dimensions that do not affect its power. Plus, the car generator must have protective elements, which provides safety in emergency modes.

I want to note a few interesting facts. Cars that have diesel engines have a vane vacuum pump. In fact, machines with a gasoline engine use a vacuum to work Amplifier, which is created behind the throttle. The power that is expended in order to supply the excitation winding of the generator with power supply is usually 1/20 of the output nominal power. The generator shaft performs rotation resistance only under load. It is very simple to check the operation of the voltage regulator - you can measure the voltage on the car battery before starting the engine and after. Before starting, the voltage will be less.

On modern vehicles, the unit that controls the engine automatically lifts idling speed when the engine is switched on, if some consumers of electric energy are turned on.