5. ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY The alternator is the basic component of the charging system. The alternator is driven by the engine and provides alternating current which is converted to direct current by rectifiers and then used for battery charging. It also supplies current to the various systems in the vehicle such as lighting, ignition, etc. at the operating speed. The alternator is mounted on the engine block in such a way that the engine crankshaft belt provides drive to the alternator. Like the self starter it is also an electrical machine but functioning just the opposite; alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. In this lesson we will study removal and dismantling of the alternator from the car.
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Objectives After going through this lesson, you will be able to: Learn about electrical connections of the alternator. Remove the alternator from the car. Dismantle the alternator.
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Introduction
The alternator is provided to obtain electrical energy for charging the battery and also for other systems such as ignition, lighting etc. It is driven by the engine and thus converts the mechanical energy taken from the engine into electrical energy that is used to charge the battery. Rectifiers are used to convert the AC provided by the alternator into DC required by the battery. In order that the battery does not get overcharged, regulators are used. The alternator produces alternating current (AC) in its stator winding. Contrary to the self starter, in the alternator the field is rotated and the conductors remain stationary. In this lesson we will study how to remove the alternator from the car and dismantle it.
Self-check Questions 1. The alternator is driven by _________ and provides __________. 2. __________ are used to convert the AC provided by the alternator into DC. 3. Regulators reduce the amount of current that flows to the battery – True or False? 4. The alternator produces alternating emf in its _______ winding. 5. In the alternator, ___________ is rotated