THE AUTOMOTIVE ALTERNATOR
An automotive alternator is a THREE PHASE GENERATOR with a built-in RECTIFIER CIRCUIT consisting of SIX DIODES.
As the pulley is rotated by a belt connected to the car engine's crankshaft, a MAGNET is spun past a stationary set of Three-Phase Windings called the STATOR, usually connected in a Y configuration. The spinning MAGNET is actually an ELECTROMAGNET, not a PERMANENT magnet. Alternators are designed this way so that the MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH can be controlled, in order that OUTPUT VOLTAGE may be controlled independently of rotor speed. This ROTOR MAGNET coil called the FIELD COIL,is ENERGIZED BY BATTERY POWER, so that it takes a small amount of electrical power input to the alternator to get it to generate a lot of output power.
ELECTRICAL POWER is conducted to the rotating field coil through a pair of copper "slip rings" mounted concentrically on the shaft, contacted by stationary carbon "brushes." The brushes are held in firm contact with the slip rings by spring pressure.
Many modern alternators are equipped with built-in VOLTAGE REGULATOR circuits that automatically switch battery power on and off to the rotor coil to regulate output voltage.
BATTERIES
Battery power comes in many forms and shapes. And then you need a charger and an inverter if you want to convert that power. i.e ALTERNATOR.
Lead-acid batteries, should not discharge more than 50%. Ideally, they should be recharged to 100% promptly. They can be damaged by undercharging, continued overcharging, or contamination. Do not store batteries without periodic recharging. Continual self discharge when not in use can ruin even a brand new set of batteries.
CAR/TRUCK batteries are SHALLOW CYCLE only. These have thinner plates and lead-calcium grids designed for less than 20% discharge and immediate recharge.
GOLF CART/INDUSTRIAL Batteries are DEEP CYCLE and have thicker plates and lead-antimony support grids for years of over 50% deep cycle charge and discharge. Surplus industrial batteries may be deep cycle lead-antimony, or pure lead, or may be shallow cycle lead calcium construction.
RV/MARINE This common 12 volt battery is designed about half way between a DEEP CYCLE and a SHALLOW CYCLE, and has medium length of life.
SEALED BATTERIES , GEL or AGM (absorbed glass mat) types damage easily from overcharge, and so should be used with a 3 stage charge control. Sealed batteries can be excellent deep cycle alternative energy batteries, cleaner and safer, but only if charging is precisely controlled. Since water cannot be replaced and hydrometer testing is not possible, they are considered special purpose batteries.
CHARGING
Remember you must put back the energy you use immediately. If you don't the battery sulfates and that affects performance and longevity. The ALTERNATOR is a battery charger. It works well if the battery is not deeply discharged. The alternator tends to overcharge batteries that are very low and the overcharge can damage batteries. In fact an engine starting battery on average has only about 10 deep cycles available when recharged by an alternator. Batteries like to be charged in a certain way, especially when they have been deeply discharged. This type of charging is called 3 STEP REGULATED CHARGING.
**Only special SMART CHARGERS using computer technology can perform 3 step charging techniques. You probably won't find these types of chargers in AUTOZONE or WAL-MART.
The first step is BULK CHARGING where up to 80% of the battery energy capacity is replaced by the charger at the maximum voltage and current amp rating of the charger.
When the battery voltage reaches 14.4 volts this begins the ABSORPTION CHARGE step. This is where the voltage is held at a constant 14.4 volts and the current (amps) declines until the battery is 98% charged.
Last but not least comes the FLOAT STEP. This is a regulated voltage of not more than 13.4 volts and usually less than 1 amp of current. This in time will bring the battery to 100% charged or close to it. The float charge will not boil or heat batteries but will maintain the batteries at 100% readiness and prevent cycling during long term inactivity. Some GEL cell and AGM batteries may require special settings or chargers.
BATTERY DO'S & DONT'S
DO regular inspection and maintenance especially in hot weather.
DO recharge batteries immediately after discharge.
DO buy the highest RC (reserve capacity) or AH (amp hour) battery that will fit your configuration.
DON'T disconnect battery cables while the engine is running (your battery acts as a filter).
DON'T add new electrolyte (acid).
DON'T use unregulated high output battery chargers to charge batteries.
DON'T place your batteries into storage without some type of device to keep the battery charged.
DON'T put off recharging batteries.
DON'T add tap water as it may contain minerals that will contaminate the electrolyte.
DON'T discharge a battery any deeper than you possibly have to.
DON'T let a battery get hot to the touch and boil violently when charging.
DON'T mix size and types of batteries.
Now that you have read and understood all that. YOU, the tester, are the one responsible for damage to Alternators or Batteries if you do not adhere to the instructions of the Manufacturers.
ANY UNCONVENTIONAL or UNRECOMMENDED TESTING CAN & WILL eventually do irreparable damage to the cars electrical system.
Ignore this advice at your own risk.
-THE GURU-
(c) 2006 Guru Publications .
An automotive alternator is a THREE PHASE GENERATOR with a built-in RECTIFIER CIRCUIT consisting of SIX DIODES.
As the pulley is rotated by a belt connected to the car engine's crankshaft, a MAGNET is spun past a stationary set of Three-Phase Windings called the STATOR, usually connected in a Y configuration. The spinning MAGNET is actually an ELECTROMAGNET, not a PERMANENT magnet. Alternators are designed this way so that the MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH can be controlled, in order that OUTPUT VOLTAGE may be controlled independently of rotor speed. This ROTOR MAGNET coil called the FIELD COIL,is ENERGIZED BY BATTERY POWER, so that it takes a small amount of electrical power input to the alternator to get it to generate a lot of output power.
ELECTRICAL POWER is conducted to the rotating field coil through a pair of copper "slip rings" mounted concentrically on the shaft, contacted by stationary carbon "brushes." The brushes are held in firm contact with the slip rings by spring pressure.
Many modern alternators are equipped with built-in VOLTAGE REGULATOR circuits that automatically switch battery power on and off to the rotor coil to regulate output voltage.
BATTERIES
Battery power comes in many forms and shapes. And then you need a charger and an inverter if you want to convert that power. i.e ALTERNATOR.
Lead-acid batteries, should not discharge more than 50%. Ideally, they should be recharged to 100% promptly. They can be damaged by undercharging, continued overcharging, or contamination. Do not store batteries without periodic recharging. Continual self discharge when not in use can ruin even a brand new set of batteries.
CAR/TRUCK batteries are SHALLOW CYCLE only. These have thinner plates and lead-calcium grids designed for less than 20% discharge and immediate recharge.
GOLF CART/INDUSTRIAL Batteries are DEEP CYCLE and have thicker plates and lead-antimony support grids for years of over 50% deep cycle charge and discharge. Surplus industrial batteries may be deep cycle lead-antimony, or pure lead, or may be shallow cycle lead calcium construction.
RV/MARINE This common 12 volt battery is designed about half way between a DEEP CYCLE and a SHALLOW CYCLE, and has medium length of life.
SEALED BATTERIES , GEL or AGM (absorbed glass mat) types damage easily from overcharge, and so should be used with a 3 stage charge control. Sealed batteries can be excellent deep cycle alternative energy batteries, cleaner and safer, but only if charging is precisely controlled. Since water cannot be replaced and hydrometer testing is not possible, they are considered special purpose batteries.
CHARGING
Remember you must put back the energy you use immediately. If you don't the battery sulfates and that affects performance and longevity. The ALTERNATOR is a battery charger. It works well if the battery is not deeply discharged. The alternator tends to overcharge batteries that are very low and the overcharge can damage batteries. In fact an engine starting battery on average has only about 10 deep cycles available when recharged by an alternator. Batteries like to be charged in a certain way, especially when they have been deeply discharged. This type of charging is called 3 STEP REGULATED CHARGING.
**Only special SMART CHARGERS using computer technology can perform 3 step charging techniques. You probably won't find these types of chargers in AUTOZONE or WAL-MART.
The first step is BULK CHARGING where up to 80% of the battery energy capacity is replaced by the charger at the maximum voltage and current amp rating of the charger.
When the battery voltage reaches 14.4 volts this begins the ABSORPTION CHARGE step. This is where the voltage is held at a constant 14.4 volts and the current (amps) declines until the battery is 98% charged.
Last but not least comes the FLOAT STEP. This is a regulated voltage of not more than 13.4 volts and usually less than 1 amp of current. This in time will bring the battery to 100% charged or close to it. The float charge will not boil or heat batteries but will maintain the batteries at 100% readiness and prevent cycling during long term inactivity. Some GEL cell and AGM batteries may require special settings or chargers.
BATTERY DO'S & DONT'S
DO regular inspection and maintenance especially in hot weather.
DO recharge batteries immediately after discharge.
DO buy the highest RC (reserve capacity) or AH (amp hour) battery that will fit your configuration.
DON'T disconnect battery cables while the engine is running (your battery acts as a filter).
DON'T add new electrolyte (acid).
DON'T use unregulated high output battery chargers to charge batteries.
DON'T place your batteries into storage without some type of device to keep the battery charged.
DON'T put off recharging batteries.
DON'T add tap water as it may contain minerals that will contaminate the electrolyte.
DON'T discharge a battery any deeper than you possibly have to.
DON'T let a battery get hot to the touch and boil violently when charging.
DON'T mix size and types of batteries.
Now that you have read and understood all that. YOU, the tester, are the one responsible for damage to Alternators or Batteries if you do not adhere to the instructions of the Manufacturers.
ANY UNCONVENTIONAL or UNRECOMMENDED TESTING CAN & WILL eventually do irreparable damage to the cars electrical system.
Ignore this advice at your own risk.
-THE GURU-
(c) 2006 Guru Publications .