Ford Explorer, Руководство по техническому обслуживанию и ремонту

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CHARGING SYSTEM
General Information
The charging system is a negative (−) ground system which consists of an alternator, a regulator, a charge
indicator, a storage battery, wiring connecting the components, and fuse link wire.
The alternator is belt−driven from the engine. Energy is supplied from the alternator/regulator system to the
rotating field through two brushes to two slip−rings. The slip−rings are mounted on the rotor shaft and are
connected to the field coil. This energy supplied to the rotating field from the battery is called excitation
current and is used to initially energize the field to begin the generation of electricity. Once the alternator
starts to generate electricity, the excitation current comes from its own output rather than the battery.
The alternator produces power in the form of alternating current. The alternating current is rectified by 6
diodes into direct current. The direct current is used to charge the battery and power the rest of the electrical
system.
When the ignition key is turned ON, current flows from the battery, through the charging system indicator
light on the instrument panel, to the voltage regulator, and to the alternator. Since the alternator is not
producing any current, the alternator warning light comes on. When the engine is started, the alternator begins
to produce current and turns the alternator light off. As the alternator turns and produces current, the current is
divided in two ways: one part to the battery to charge the battery and power the electrical components of the
vehicle, and one part is returned to the alternator to enable it to increase its output. In this situation, the
alternator is receiving current from the battery and from itself. A voltage regulator is wired into the current
supply to the alternator to prevent it from receiving too much current, which, in turn, would cause it to
produce too much current. Conversely, if the voltage regulator does not allow the alternator to receive enough
current, the battery will not be fully charged and will eventually drain.
CHARGING SYSTEM 217