Alternator: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
Generates power to keep the battery fully charged and to operate the vehicle's electrical system.

OPERATION
Output is variable and depends on the speed at which the alternator rotor spins, as well as the amount of current passing through the rotor winding.

Current flow through the rotor winding is controlled by the built in regulator.

The stator generates alternating current, which is passed through a series of rectifier diodes and converted to direct current.