Car Alternator Components and Their Complete Functions
For automotive experts, the alternator may be a component of the vehicle that is often encountered. Moreover, the alternator has such a vital function. Thus, it cannot be separated from other car components because it has become a necessity.
Definition of Alternator
As a vehicle part, there are various components within the alternator. Before knowing the components and functions it possesses, it is good to understand its definition first. The alternator is essentially often referred to as a Dynamo.
An alternator is a device that generates electricity for all components within the car that require electrical power.
The components in the vehicle that require electrical energy include the car stereo, car AC, car wipers, and others. For these devices to operate as needed, a power supply called the alternator is required.
What is the Function of the Car Alternator Component?
After understanding what an alternator is, the next thing you need to know is its function.
In accordance with its definition, the alternator is used as a tool to generate electricity for motor vehicles that require electrical power. Thus, the function of the alternator is to supply it.
To this day, many people still believe that the source of electricity in a car is the battery. Therefore, when components in the vehicle do not function as usual, users will immediately assume that the car battery is problematic or damaged.
In fact, it is the alternator component that serves as the power supplier to all car components.
The alternator can function as long as the car is running. Thus, the alternator will operate when the car has been started.
This is because the electrical energy supplied to the motor vehicle components comes from the conversion of kinetic energy into electricity.
Then, from this electrical energy, all components in the motor vehicle can function properly. Without the alternator, the battery can only last less than 30 minutes.
Read Also: Causes of Alternator Damage and Its Signs
What are the Components of the Alternator? Along with Their Functions!
Here are several components of the alternator along with their functions:
1. Rotor Coil
The first component is the rotor coil. The rotor coil is actually a rotating coil used to provide a magnetic field in the alternator.
We know that the working principle of the alternator is to use the intersection of magnetic field lines to generate electric current.
To obtain this magnetic field intersection, there must be a magnetic field that will be generated.
The rotor coil in the car is made from a coil that can emit a magnetic field when supplied with electric current. So, where does this electric current come from? This electric current comes from the battery. The battery is used as the electrical conduit.
2. Stator Coil
The other component is the stator coil. This component is in the form of a static coil that serves to capture the magnetic field intersection. To generate electric current, the magnetic field must intersect with the coil.
Read Also: 5 Causes of Alternator Not Charging that Drivers Need to Know!
3. Alternator Shaft
There is also a component called the alternator shaft. The alternator shaft is the connection between the pulley and the rotor. The rotation of the alternator shaft can connect to the rotor so that the rotor can spin.
4. Brush
The brush is a component that has a small box shape and is used to connect electric current to the rotor part. As we know, the rotor needs electric current to generate magnetism.
However, the rotor will also rotate. Thus, the electric current cannot be connected simply using wires.
The solution is to use brushes that press against the slip ring. The slip ring is the end part of the shaft that connects at both ends of the rotor coil.
After understanding the definition and components of the car alternator, you certainly realize the importance of the car alternator.
Therefore, make sure to perform regular maintenance on this component. You can have maintenance done at an official workshop or at the nearest Daihatsu dealer to receive the best service.