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Apr, 20, 2011Introduction
Primary Function
The automotive alternator serves as the vehicle's main power source, supplying electricity to all electrical systems (except the starter motor) while simultaneously recharging the battery during normal engine operation.
Details
Primary Function
The automotive alternator serves as the vehicle's main power source, supplying electricity to all electrical systems (except the starter motor) while simultaneously recharging the battery during normal engine operation.
Enhanced Three-Phase Design
Modern alternators improve upon standard three-phase stator windings by:
Incorporating additional winding turns with dedicated terminals
Implementing a secondary three-phase bridge rectifier system
Operating modes:
▶ Low RPM: Combined output from primary + auxiliary windings
▶ High RPM: Output exclusively from primary windings
Classification System
I. By Structural Configuration
Conventional Silicon-Rectifier Alternator
Requires external voltage regulator
Example: JF132 (EQ140 truck)
Integrated Alternator
Built-in voltage regulator
Example: CS-series (Buick CS-121/130/144)
Vacuum Pump-Equipped Alternator
Features engine vacuum pump (not brake booster pump)
Brushless Alternator
Eliminates brush maintenance
Example: JFW1913
Permanent Magnet Alternator
Uses rare-earth magnet excitation
Common in hybrid/electric vehicles
II. By Rectifier Architecture
6-Diode
Example: JF1522 (Dongfeng trucks)
8-Diode
Example: JFZ1542 (Tianjin Xiali)
9-Diode
Japanese OEM applications (Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Mazda)
11-Diode
Example: JFZ1913Z (Audi/Santana)
III. By Field Winding Grounding
Internally-Grounded
Field coil directly terminates at housing
Externally-Grounded
Field coil routes through voltage regulator before grounding
Technical Notes:
DC generators have been completely phased out due to AC alternators' superior:
✓ Power density
✓ Reliability
✓ Maintenance requirements
