ABSTRACT
The main component of the charging system is the alternator and on most modern vehicles – with the exception of its associated wiring – this is the only component in the charging system. Figure 6.1 shows an alternator in common use. The alternator generates AC but must produce DC at its output terminal as only DC can be used to charge the battery and run electronic circuits. The output of the alternator must be a constant voltage regardless of engine speed and current load.
