Komatsu 830E-AC Shop Manual page 240

Battery/Alternator Terminology
NOTE: Charge voltage and amp rates vary from
battery type to battery type, based on battery
construction technology and physical size of the
battery.
AC: Alternating current (AC) output of the alternator.
Alternator: General term for a vehicle generator
using solid-state devices to rectify output power and
provide DC output.
Amps, Low: A minimum or lowest charging system
amp value required to maintain the battery state of
charge, obtained when testing the charging system
with a fully charged battery and no other loads
applied. This value will vary with battery type.
Amps, Medium: A system amp value which can
cause the battery temperature to rise above the ade-
quate charging temperature within 4-8 hours of
charge time. To prevent battery damage, the charge
amps must be reduced when the battery temperature
rises. Check the battery manufacturer's recommen-
dations for proper rates of charge amps.
Amps, High: A system amp value which can cause
the battery temperature to rise above adequate
charging temperature within 2-3 hours of charge
time. To prevent battery damage, the charge amps
must be reduced when the battery temperature rises.
Check the battery manufacturer's recommendations
for proper rates of charge amps.
Anti-Drive End: End of alternator farthest from drive
end (drive pulley).
Charge Voltage: Nominal value to which the regula-
tor is set. The actual charge voltage level is deter-
mined by the battery type and the system duty cycle
and may vary slightly.
Control Housing: Part of the housing assembly con-
taining internal electrical connections of the alterna-
tor and mounting area for the control unit.
DC: Direct current (DC) output of the alternator.
D10-10
Diode Trio: Assembly of three diodes, one diode
connected to each stator phase tap. Used typically to
operate as a signaling source, once the alternator is
rotating, to tell the regulator to turn on (self-energiz-
ing signal), or to provide current for the field coil oper-
ation.
Diode Trios: Dual use of two diode trios, one trio per
stator, on dual stator alternators.
DMM: Digital Multimeter. A handheld test instrument
to digitally display test values. The preferred test
meter has high impedance value (10 Meg-ohms).
Drive End: End of the alternator is equipped to
receive mechanical power from the primary power
source via the pulley or drive coupling.
Fan: Fan located at the anti-drive end of the alterna-
tor.
Ground: Return path of electrical circuit. May be
separate wire, component housing, or vehicle chas-
sis. (B-) is considered the ground on modern vehicle
systems.
Harness: Enclosed bundle of wires used to connect
electrical devices.
Phase: Single output winding of an alternator. Most
dual stator alternators have six phases, three phases
per stator.
Polarity: Distinguishes between positive (+) and
negative (-) in an electrical circuit.
Rectifier Assemblies: Assembly of power diodes
that convert AC current output of the alternator stator
phases to DC current output. Rectifier assemblies
are modular designed. Rectifier modules are
grouped in single blocks mounted in an end housing.
Modular rectifier blocks can be replaced individually.
Self-energized: The alternator turns itself on and
begins to produce electricity at predetermined rotor
speed through special circuits designed into the reg-
ulator or the alternator.
Battery Charging Alternator D10003 07/06