What are the 2 wires on the alternator?

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Car generator connection diagrams
How does a car generator work?

So you've stumbled across two wires in your alternator and are wondering what they're for.

Two-wire alternators are not commonly used in modern vehicles, as three- or four-wire alternators are more commonly installed. In order to distinguish between these wires, you will need to familiarize yourself with their alternator connection diagrams, which we will explain below.

Let's take a closer look...

Car generator connection diagrams

Looking at the generator, you will see only two wires: the power cable and the excitation wire. However, the alternator has a more complex wiring system as it connects many different parts. I give the generator connection diagram below. Now let's look at these connections:

3-wire alternator wiring diagram

This XNUMX-wire variable connection diagram shows connections between different parts of the circuit.

The three main wires that make up the circuit are the positive battery cable, the voltage sensor, and the ignition input wire. There is also a connection between the engine and the ignition input wire. While the voltage detection wire senses, it connects power to the rectifier, it transfers power from the engine to the alternator.

These versatile alternators include built-in rectifiers for power control.

They can supply and rectify current in the same circuit, unlike single wire alternators. All components will receive regulated voltage if you are using a three-wire generator.

External electromechanical voltage regulator

The voltage sensor cable is wound into the electromagnet by motorized regulators.

This creates a magnetic field around the magnet, pulling the iron block in its direction. In such circuits there are three electromagnetic switches - a trip relay, a regulator and a current regulator. The converter and the existing regulator switch control the output voltage by controlling the excitation circuit of the alternator, while the disconnect relay links the battery to the generator.

However, due to the inefficient relay mechanism, electromechanical circuits are rarely used in automobiles today, although they are critical to AC regulation circuits.

Wiring diagram controlled by PCM

An alternator that uses internal modules to regulate the excitation circuit is known as a powertrain control module voltage regulation circuit.

The PCM manages the flow of current by analyzing data from the body control module (BCM) and analyzing the charging requirements of the system.

The modules are activated if the voltage falls below the appropriate level, which in time changes the current flowing through the coil.

As a result, it changes the output of the system according to its requirements. PCR controlled alternators are simple yet incredibly efficient in producing the required voltage.

How does a car generator work?

The operation of the generator is easy to understand.

The generator is fastened with a V-ribbed belt, put on a pulley. The pulley rotates and rotates the generator rotor shafts when the engine is running. The rotor is an electromagnet with carbon brushes and two rotating metal slip rings connected to its shaft. It provides a small amount of electricity to the rotor as a product of rotation and transfers power to the stator. (1)

The magnets run through loops of copper wire in the stator alternator on the rotor. As a result, it creates a magnetic field around the coils. When the magnetic field is disturbed as the rotor rotates, it creates electricity. (2)

The alternator's diode rectifier receives AC but must be converted to DC before use. The two-way current is converted by the rectifier into a one-way flowing direct current. The voltage is then applied to the voltage regulator, which adjusts the voltage according to the requirements of various automotive systems.

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