CHARGING SYSTEM

The charging system has been developed to answer the need for increased generator output necessitated by the addition of electrically operated accessories on the modern car combined with low speed driving in congested traffic.

The alternator possesses the ability to produce current output at engine idle speed and low car speed. This factor makes it a superior charging unit to the direct current generator which must be rotated at reasonable speed before current output is developed. 

The basic alternator charging system components include the battery, the self rectifying alternating current generator, a voltage limiting relay and interconnecting wiring. The circuit will include either an ammeter or an indicator light.

AC CHARGING SYSTEM

Every AC charging system is controlled by a voltage regulator. The battery initially supplies the current for the alternator field coil. At this time, and during idle and low speed operation, there is no voltage control problem. However, as alternator speed increases with engine speed, the voltage increased developed by the alternator would be imposed on the field coil. This increases the field strength and further raises the voltage output. Unless this voltage rise condition is kept under control, the high voltage developed will result in damage or shot in life expectancy and light bulb, relay coils, radio tubes, turn signal, flasher, breaker points, and other voltage sensitive units.

All alternator voltage regulator are of the double contact type discussed under generator regulator. In other alternator systems the regulator may contain, in addition to the voltage limiter, field relay which is used to complete the field circuit when the ignition switch is turned on. It may also include lamp relay when indicator light is used instead of an ammeter.