Voltage Regulator; Energizing The System; Charging System Schematic—Typical; Operation - Jeep J-10 Series 1982 Technical & Service Manual

1E-2 CHARGING SYSTEM
not require periodic lubrication. Two brushes provide
current through two slip rings to and from the field coil.
The brushes are designed for long periods of attention-
free service. Other than a regularly-scheduled drive belt
tension adjustment, the alternator assembly requires no
periodic adjustments or maintenance.
The stator windings are wound on the inside of a
laminated core that is also part of the alternator frame.
The bridge rectifier connected to the stator winding
output is comprised of six diodes molded into a single
assembly. The bridge rectifier converts the three-phase
alternating current output to direct current for the ve
hicle electrical system.
Battery discharge through the alternator is prevented
by the one-way current flow action of the diodes. This
eliminates the need for a conventional cutout relay. Al
ternator field current is supplied through a diode trio
that is also connected to the stator windings.
A capacitor, or condenser, located in the end housing,
protects the bridge rectifier and diode trio from high
surge voltages and suppresses radio interference noise.
NOTE: All bolt and screw threads are in metric
dimensions.
Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator utilizes an integrated circuit to
regulate the excitation current supplied to the field (ro
tor) winding. AH regulator components are encapsulated
in a solid mold and, along with the brush holder assem
bly, is attached to the rear housing of the alternator. The
voltage regulator is not adjustable i,r repairable.
Battery
The battery used in conjunction with the alternator
and regulator to complete the charging system will be
either the standard equipment type or an optional heavy
duty typp. Refer to Chapter ID—Batteries.
OPERATION
General
Battery charging is accomplished by current supplied
directly from the alternator output terminal (heavy
gauge red wire) to the battery. The starter motor sole
noid is used as the connection point. The battery positive
cable is connected to the heavy gauge red wire at the
solenoid. The alternator is grounded to the engine to
complete the circuit to the battery negative post. The
amount of charge the battery receives depends upon the
initial state of charge and internal condition of the bat
tery, proper operation of the voltage regulator and the
amount of power being consumed by the ••Ipetrica! load
(e.g., heater blower motor, lamps and rear window
defogger).
Energizing the System
When the ignition switch is turned to the On position
(fig. 1E-2), positive battery voltage is applied to the
regulator and current flows from ground to the regu
lator. The regulator controls the amount of excitation
current allowed to flow through the field winding. The
battery voltage provides the initial excitation that re
sults in a large electromagnetic field around the rotor
and a faster build-up of output voltage.
Within the regulator, TR1 and its associated biasing
network controls the amount of field excitation current
and, in so doing, the amplitude of the output voltage. As
long as the rotor is stationary (i.e., no alternator out
put), all the current flows through the field winding,
resistance wire and ammeter to the battery positive
terminal. The ammeter will indicate negative (-) current
flow (no alternator output).
NOTE: Sometimes, without a battery installed in a
vehicle (or if the battery is completely discharged), there
will be no alternator output because there will be no
r,
RESISTOR
WIRE
i-^VVVVV-^s—3C
SWITCH
i
-,, 0 R6 A
2M f M i—VWV—x T
1 r.—. intsk: ' ^~
BATTERY
•15-SI Alternator Has Delta Wound Stators
AJ43099
Fig. 1E-2 Charging System Schematic—Typical