The charging system uses the alternator output to keep the battery charged at a constant
level under various electrical loads.
OPERATION
Rotation of the excited field coil generates AC voltage in the stator. This alternating current is rectified through diodes to DC voltage having a waveform shown
in the illustration. The average output voltage fluctuates slightly with the alternator load condition. When the ignition switch is turned on, current flows in the field coil and initial excitation
of the field coil occurs. When the stator coil begins to generate power after the engine is started, the field coil
is excited by the output current of the stator coil. The alternator output voltage rises as the field current increases and it falls as the
field current decreases. When the battery voltage (alternator "S" terminal voltage) reaches
a regulated voltage of approximately 14.4 V, the field current is cut off. When the battery
voltage drops below the regulated voltage, the voltage regulator regulates the output voltage
to a constant level by controlling the field current. In addition, when the field current is constant, the alternator output voltage rises as
the engine speed increases.
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