What is the function of a generator regulator?
2 Answers
Generator regulator's function is: to protect the battery from overcharging, which could affect its lifespan. The principle of a generator regulator is: there is a detection circuit inside the regulator. When the battery voltage exceeds the set value, the switching tube will disconnect, stopping the power supply to the generator's excitation coil. Without excitation current, the generator can only idle. The function of the generator is: when the engine is running normally, it supplies power to all electrical equipment except the starter motor, while also charging the battery. The generator is the main power source of a car. Its working principle is: when the external circuit energizes the excitation winding through the brushes, a magnetic field is generated, and the claw poles are magnetized into N and S poles.
The voltage regulator is truly the guardian angel of a car's electrical system. From my daily driving experience, it specifically controls the generator's output voltage to prevent fluctuations. When engine speed varies, the power generation can swing wildly, but the regulator maintains stability, ensuring voltage stays around 14 volts. This is crucial—excessive voltage may burn out expensive components like bulbs and the ECU, while insufficient voltage prevents battery charging, causing dim lights or even breakdowns during drives. Once on a business trip, my headlights flickered intermittently on the highway, frightening me into pulling over for inspection—it turned out to be a failing regulator. Replacing it restored normal operation. Regularly checking voltage during maintenance can prevent such headaches.
