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Alternator

An alternator is an electric machine, capable of transforming


mechanical energy into electrical energy, generating an
alternating current through electromagnetic induction.
The alternators are based on the principle that a conductor
subjected to a variable magnetic field creates an induced
voltage whose polarity depends on the direction of the field
and the value of the flux that passes through it.
An alternating current alternator works by constantly
changing the polarity so that there is movement and generate
energy. In the world, alternators with a frequency of 50 Hz
(Europe ...) or 60 Hz (Brazil, United States ...) are used, that
is, it changes its polarity 50 or 60 times per second.
If the alternator is used to supply power to the network, its
rotation speed is kept constant and therefore the frequency f
of the network. Its fundamental relationship is:
60
=

Where n represents the velocity in R.P.M. And p is the


number of pole pairs.
Among the different types of synchronous generators there
are three-phase types, which are the most common when it
comes to generating electrical energy for home and industrial
use
What is an alternator for?
What is the name of the alternator? What is the alternator
used for? How does an alternator work? What are the parts
that make up an alternator?
Alternator: Generator of alternating electric current [they are
called monophasic, biphasic, or trifasicos according to the
number of phases of the current that provides]
It converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Both alternators and generators [dynamos] produce current,
creating movement between a conductor and a magnetic
field.
The principles of electromagnetism, control and indicate,
how, this energy is produced In an alternator, the rotor [which
creates the magnetic field] rotates inside the stator [the
conductor].
AC power. AC, is induced in the stator, then changed to
direct current DC by a bridge of Diodes, to then supply the
needs of the vehicle. The process of converting CA to DC is
known as Rectification.
The alternator operates according to the principle that
electricity is generated in a wire, as long
as it crosses a magnetic field.

The alternator has as field an electromagnet, excited by a


small amount of current from the accumulator [battery], which
reaches the electromagnet by means of
the collector rings, located on the arrow of
the alternator.....

Fixed alternator coil [called stator] intercept the rotating


magnetic field, generated by the rotor, this interception, is
intensified with a cylindrical core of laminated sweet iron.
When the motor rotates the electromagnet, the field is
intercepted with the outer wire frame, and the current flows
through it, first in one
direction and then
in the other

1.-The diodes convert the AC to DC [AC = alternating current


- DC = direct or continuous current]
2. - Stator coils, where the current
originates
3.-Stator Nucleus
4. - Rotor winding
5. - Rotor [magnetic field]
6.-Motor driven pulley with belt, [belt, belt] and fan to cool the
alternator
7. - Structure [hull, housing]
8. - Collector rings, transmit current to coil, rotor, to keep it
magnetized
9.-Brushes, [coals, brushes brushes], supply current to the
collector rings
At present, vehicles incorporate a large number of
components that require electrical power and that if not for
the current alternators, many of these systems could not
function properly, having very demanding electrical stresses.
The alternator consists of:
Pulley: it is the one that receives the mechanical force
coming from the thermal combustion engine through a
belt, usually poly V. This pulley is attached to the axis
of the alternator and it is in charge of moving the rotor
that is in its interior and of moving also to the Fan that
is located in the interior in the alternators of last
generation.
Rotor (inductor): is the moving part of the alternator, it
is formed by an electromagnet that receives current
from the regulator through a slip rings located on the
shaft. This electromagnet produces a magnetic field,
before which the coils of the stator (fixed part) react to
produce the electric current.
Regulator: it is in charge of maintaining a maximum
output voltage of the alternator of 14.5 volts and
regulate the amps that the battery needs.
Stator (Induced): This is the fixed part on which the
three-phase winding is located. It can be made up of a
star or a triangle.
Diode rectifier bridge: It is the element in charge of
rectifying the alternator output current (since this is
alternating) making it continuous and feasible for use in
the car.
How an alternator works
When we put the contact in the vehicle, the rotor coil of the
alternator is fed with current, and when it starts to turn, when
starting the engine, begins to generate energy. Once the
motor is started, the regulator feeds itself with the energy
produced by the alternator itself. When this occurs, the
instrument panel light goes out. If the light on the switch does
not go off after starting the vehicle, it may indicate that there
is no current output from the alternator. We must then check
that the 12 volts of the battery arrive at the regulator input
and that the diodes of the rectifier bridge are not cut, since in
that case, the current of the rectifier bridge would not come
out even if it generated it well. Likewise, the brushes of the
slip rings could be worn and no current enters the inductor or
(rotor).
If the light flashes (it turns on and off quickly and irregularly),
it is because there is a lack of load (fault in the regulator) or
because we are getting alternating current (diodes drilled in
the bridge rectifier).
In modern vehicles that perform the regulation of the
alternator by means of an electronic control unit, the light in
the control box is switched on by the control of this control
unit and diagnosis by traditional methods is not possible. In
such a case we must resort to diagnosis to know exactly what
is happening there, apart from the tests that we can perform
on the alternator with the engine stopped and running, which
does not offer us any modification with respect to any other
type of alternator with integrated regulator

Types of alternators

For the selection of the alternator are determinants, mainly:


*Alternator voltage (14 V / 28 V).
*The delivery of power (V x I) possible throughout the rev
range.
T*he maximum current
According to this data the electrical dimensioning and the
size required by the alternad
Alternator characteristics

The current intensity which can be provided by an alternator


rotating at different revolutions to which it is subjected by the
combustion engine is generally represented by means of
characteristic curves which are dependent on the speed of
rotation which are always referred to a defined temperature
And a constant voltage. In these curves are highlighted some
points that are of particular importance as to the
characteristics of the alternator.

No: It is the speed of rotation (approx 1000 rpm) at which the


alternator reaches the nominal voltage without supplying
current.

NL: Alternator rotation speed when the combustion engine


reaches the idle speed. In the diagram of the curve is
represented as a zone, since the exact value depends on the
ratio of reduction ratio fixed with respect to the combustion
engine.

At this speed, the alternator must supply at least the current


necessary for long-time consumers. The corresponding
value is indicated on the alternator type designation.

The speed (nL) is usually between 1500 and 1800 r.p.m.


Depending on the type of alternator.

IL: It is the intensity supplied by the alternator at idle.

NN: The rated speed of rotation, at which the alternator


delivers its nominal current, is set at nN = 6000 rpm. The
rated current should be higher than that required by the
combined power of all electrical consumers. This current is
also indicated in the type designation.

IN: This is the nominal current supplied by the alternator at


the rated speed of rotation.

Nmax: This is the maximum rotational speed of the alternator


that is limited by bearings, brushes and collector rings, as
well as by the fan. This speed according to the type of
alternator used goes from 8000 r.p.m. (Industrial vehicles) up
to 20,000 r.p.m. (Automobiles).

Imax: It is the intensity that the alternator provides at the


maximum rotation speed
NA: It is the initial rotation speed. At this speed, the alternator
starts delivering current when the speed of rotation is
increased for the first time. The initial speed is higher than
the idle speed. And depends on the pre-excitation power, the
remanence of the rotor, the voltage of the battery and the
speed of variation of the speed of rotation
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