Charging Information Page

 

The automotive battery is not capable of supplying all electrical demands required by the automobile. The electric starter puts a huge amount of drain on the battrey when the car is started and there must be a way to recharge the battery. The charging system solves this problem. The charging system must also be able to meat the requirements of all of the electrical accessories, while the engine is running.

 

The components of the volkswagen charging sytem are:

BATTERY

ALTERNATOR / GENERATOR

 

VOLTAGE REGULATOR
CABLES AND WIRING HARNESS
 

 

ALTERNATOR OR GENERATOR

Is there a difference?

 

CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

 

 

There were two basic types of charging systems which have been used. The first was a DC generator, which was common untill the 1960s. Since that time the AC alternator has become the primary method of generating electricity. The main difference between the two systems is that generators produced DC voltage and alternators produce AC voltage, which is then rectified to DC voltage. The advantage to the alternator is that more power can be produced than a generator.

ALTERNATOR

 

 

 The main function of the alternator is to generate A.C. voltage. Electricity is produced as the alternator is driven by a fan belt from a drive pulley attached to the crank shaft.  

 

HOW DOES AN ALTERNATOR WORK?

 

 

The alternator pulley is attached to the rotor shaft, which is located inside the housing of the alternator. The rotor is essentially a rotating magnet which spins inside an assembly of stationary conductors(stator) located within the housing of the alternator.

As the rotor rotates the north and south poles of the magnetic field induces current in the stationary conductors.(stator) When the rotor has passed the stationary conductors, the field changes polarity and induces current in the opposite direction, resulting in A.C. voltage.

This voltage is then rectified to DC by passing through a diodes(diode bridge)and then into the battery for storage.

The alternator does not constantly produce electricity, rather it cycles on and off as the system demand goes up and down as accesories are turned on and off. At peak efficiency and for longest life, the alternator should be charging no more than about 50% of the time.

 

 

 

BATTERY

When the engine is not running, the battery provides this electrical energy. When the engine is running, the charging system takes over.

 

CAUTION !!!!

Electrolyte is very corrosive It can cause serious injuries if it comes in contact with skin or eyes. Always wear safety glasses and protective clothing when handling batteries. Flush eyes immediately and get medical attention if splashed in eyes.Keep batteries away from sparks and open flame.

 

 

The battery is heart of the electrical system. It serves three very important functions:

  • Provides voltage and serves as a source of current for starting, lighting and ignition
  • Acts as a voltage stabilizer for the entire electrical system
  • Provides current when the vehicles electrical demands exceed the output of the charging system.

 

WHAT IS INSIDE A BATTERY?

 

 

Container - #1

Terminals - #5

Electrolyte - #3

Plates - #2

  

Batteries should last about 3-5 years in average climates but those in high heat or extreme cold areas may last only 2-3 years.

VOLTAGE REGULATOR

 

The voltage regulator controls the voltage produced by the alternator and protects the battery and the rest of the electrical system from overcharging.

The automotive electrical system is rated at 12 vollts, though in actual fact it ranges between 12.6 to 15 volts. Since alternator output can fluctuate as high as 250 volts, the voltage regulator limits the output to this desired range.

The voltage regulator is sometimes located internally in the alternator, or is external and mounted on the side of the engine compartment.