Charging Systems

Question 1

How much voltage does the alternator produce at idle?

Answer 1

13-16 volts

Question 2

At what RPM does the alternator produce the best?

Answer 2

1700 - 3000RPM

Question 3

What is the minimum drive cycle required to charger a battery?

Answer 3

7-10 minutes

Question 4

How many Volts of pressure will an Alternator produce if not controlled?

Answer 4

over 200v

Question 5

What process does an alternator use to produce electricity?

Answer 5

Induction

Question 6

How much current does a rotor assembly use?

Answer 6

4 - 6 amps

Question 7

what determines alternator size?

Answer 7

number & type of consumers

Question 8

what does an alternator use to control the current output?

Answer 8

Nothing! AC generators naturally limit current output

Question 9

What does an alternator use to control the voltage output?

Answer 9

Voltage Regulator

Question 10

What 2 winding configurations are used?

Answer 10

Delta winding & Wye winding

Question 11

How many phases (electrical waves) are used in a typical alternator?

Answer 11

usually 3, but can be up to 6

Question 12

What is an Overrunning Alternator Clutch?

Answer 12

allows slippage of the alternator pulley one way

Question 13

What is an Overrunning Alternator Decoupler?

Answer 13

uses a torsion absorbing spring mechanism inside to smooth out vibrations

Question 14

What is the purpose of the diode trio?

Answer 14

to provide current flow to the field

Question 15

What 3 factors determine the amount of induced voltage produced through induction?

Answer 15

Speed, number of conductors & strength of magnet

Question 16

Which device changes AC to DC?

Answer 16

A rectifier (made up of diodes)

Question 17

Where is output voltage produced?

Answer 17

Stator

Question 18

current through ________ is controlled by the voltage regulator.

Answer 18

The Field

Question 19

What is acceptable voltage, between the alternator B+ terminal and ground, when testing an alternator?

Answer 19

below 0.5v

Question 20

When using a battery load tester, where should the engine speed be?

Answer 20

2000RPM

Question 21

In a Type-A circuit, where is the regulator placed?

Answer 21

in the ground side of the field circuit

Question 22

In a Type-B circuit, where is the regulator placed?

Answer 22

in the power side of the field circuit

Question 23

Which type of stator winding figuration produces the maximum current output?

Answer 23

Delta Winding

Question 24

What type of rectification changes AC voltage to DC voltage?

Answer 24

full-wave rectification

Question 25

Where do the brushes carry current?

Answer 25

The Field

Question 26

What is the major voltage control device inside the regulator?

Answer 26

Zener Diode

Question 27

Where are the brushes connected to?

Answer 27

slip rings

Question 28

What would be the duty cycle of a field current during a high current demand situation, in a computer controlled Alternator?

Answer 28

approx. 80%

Question 29

What controls the amperage output of the alternator?

Answer 29

Rotor current

Question 30

What is the maximum allowable reading when testing the voltage drop on the feed circuit?

Answer 30

0.5v

Question 31

What is the specific purpose of the Zener Diode in an alternator?

Answer 31

allows the voltage regulator to sense voltage