Inside Engine Dynamo
The dynamo is situated along the side of the engine. It is driven by the fan belt from the crankshaft pulley. The dynamo generates electricity for the following uses:
To power the electrical components when the engine is running (for example, the lights and the windscreen-wipers).
To keep the battery fully charged so that current is available to operate the electrical starter and the parking lights.
The dynamo is attached to the engine with three bolts. Two are along one side of the casing, the other is on the opposite side. This single bolt is mounted on an elongated bracket to enable the fan belt to be adjusted.
The main components of the dynamo are shown in the diagram. These are the casing, the armature, the commutator, the end plates, the pulley and the fan.
Regulation
To control the rate of charge from the dynamo to the battery a regulator is fitted. This controls the amperage of the charge to the battery, depending on the state of charge of the battery. The regulator also controls the voltage from the dynamo to the battery, and it switches on and off the current between the dynamo and the battery, depending on the battery’s state of charge and the dynamo’s output.
The wiring diagram of the charging circuit is shown. The red warning light on the dashboard comes on when the dynamo is not charging (usually at idling speeds). If the light comes on at speeds above tick-over or when the ignition is switched off, this indicates a fault in the wiring or one of the components.
Alternator
An alternator is fitted as one alternative to the dynamo. Its purpose is the same as those of the dynamo, i.e. to power the electrical components and keep the battery topped up. The alternator has the following advantages over the dynamo for equal power outputs:
1 It is smaller — the alternator is about half the size of the dynamo.
2 It is lighter.
3 The alternator still charges at engine idling speeds.
The components of the alternator are shown in the diagram. The two main components are the rotor and the stator. Slip rings and brushes are used in the alternator in place of the commutator and brushes, which are used in the dynamo.
The diagram for an alternator circuit is shown. The warning light comes on when the alternator is not charging. The regulator is built into the alternator, electrically controlling the voltage and the current going to the battery. Because the regulator is incorporated into the alternator the engine must not be run with the wiring disconnected. If this were done, the alternator regulator might be damaged.
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