Alternator: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
Generates power to keep battery fully charged and to operate vehicle's electrical system.

OPERATION
Output is variable and depends on speed at which alternator rotor spins, as well as amount of current passing through rotor winding. Current flow through rotor winding is controlled by a built-in regulator. The stator generates alternating current, which is passed through series of rectifier diodes and converted to direct current.