Alternators

Abstract

Motor vehicles have an alternator to generate electrical energy for supplying power to electrical consumers such as the starter, ignition and fuel-injection system and electronic control units, etc. The alternator also charges the battery if it generates more current than the consumers need. Alternator output power, battery capacity and the power requirement of the electrical consumers must be matched to each other to ensure that sufficient current is supplied to the vehicle electrical system in all operating conditions and that the battery is always adequately charged.