The electrical equipment of any car includes a generator - a device that converts mechanical energy received from the engine into electrical energy. Together with the voltage regulator, it is called a generator set. Generators are installed on modern cars alternating current... They meet the requirements to the greatest extent.

What is a generator voltage regulator?

Maintains the voltage of the on-board network within the specified limits in all operating modes when changing the rotational speed of the generator rotor, electrical load, ambient temperature. In addition, it can perform additional functions - to protect the elements of the generating set from emergency modes and overload, to automatically connect the field winding circuit or the alarm system for emergency operation of the generating set to the on-board network.

The principle of operation of the voltage regulator

All gensets are now equipped with semiconductor electronic voltage regulators, usually built into the generator. The schemes of their execution and design may be different, but the principle of operation is the same for all regulators. The voltage of a generator without a regulator depends on the frequency of rotation of its rotor, the magnetic flux created by the excitation winding, and, consequently, on the strength of the current in this winding and the magnitude of the current given by the generator to consumers. The higher the rotational speed and the excitation current, the higher the generator voltage, the higher the current of its load, the lower this voltage.

The function of the voltage regulator is to stabilize the voltage when the speed and load change by acting on the excitation current. Of course, you can change the current in the excitation circuit by introducing an additional resistor into this circuit, as was done in the previous vibration voltage regulators, but this method is associated with a loss of power in this resistor and is not used in electronic regulators. Electronic controllers change the excitation current by turning on and off the excitation winding from the mains, while the relative duration of the excitation winding switching-on time changes. If, to stabilize the voltage, it is required to reduce the field current, the time to turn on the field winding decreases, if it is necessary to increase it increases.

Checking the voltage regulator

Before checking the voltage regulator, you need to make sure that the problem lies in it, and not in other elements of the generator (the belt is loose, the mass is oxidized, etc.), for this you need to check the generator itself (How to check the generator?). After that, you need to remove the voltage regulator. The process of dismantling the regulator is described in the article "How to remove the voltage regulator?". In a nutshell, I will say that first you need to remove the negative terminal, remove all wires from the generator, remove the plastic casing from the generator, then unscrew and remove the voltage regulator assembly along with the brushes.

Let's go directly to testing the voltage regulator. It is imperative to check the voltage regulator assembled with brush holders. in the event of an open circuit of the brushes and the voltage regulator, we will immediately notice this. Before checking, pay attention to the condition of the brushes: if they are broken off or their length is shorter than 5mm, motionless and not springy, then they must be replaced. To check, we need:

- wires;

- car battery;

- a 12v 1-3W bulb;

- two ordinary finger-type batteries.

To test the voltage regulator, we will need to build two circuits: We connect the light bulb to the brushes, connect the “+” from the battery to the terminals B and C, fasten the “-” battery to the regulator's ground. We do the same scheme, but add two finger batteries in series. The conclusion from all of the above is as follows. Working voltage regulator: in the first circuit the lamp is on, in the second circuit the lamp is off, because voltage is higher than 14.7v and the voltage supply to the brushes must be stopped. Defective voltage regulator: in both cases the lamp is on, which means there is a breakdown in the regulator. The lamp does not light at all - it means there is no contact between the brushes and the regulator or an open circuit in the regulator.

Three-level voltage regulators

First, let's find out what this regulator is for. The car generator must supply the battery while driving and running the engine. Thus, the capacity of the battery is restored when it is discharged while stationary. If we drive every day, then the battery is almost never discharged if it is in good condition.

The battery is worse when the car stands still for a long time, because its energy is gradually spent on maintaining the auto alarm. The situation is even worse in winter, when at negative temperatures the battery is discharged very quickly. And if you drive little and not often, the battery does not fully charge while driving and may be completely discharged one morning.

To cope with the above problem, a three-level voltage regulator is designed. He has three work positions:this is the maximum(gives a voltage on the generator 14.0-14.2 V), normal (13.6-13.8V) and minimal (13.0-13.2V). As we know from the article about checking the battery's performance, the normal voltage with the engine running should be from 13.2-13.6 V. This means that the generator is operating in normal mode and the battery is fully charged.

This corresponds to the middle (normal) position of the voltage regulator. But in winter, it is advisable to increase the voltage to 13.8-14.0 V, because the battery discharges faster in freezing temperatures. This is done by simply moving the lever on the voltage regulator. So it will be provided best charge Battery in winter with the engine running.

In the summer, especially when the heat exceeds +25 degrees and above, it is advisable to lower the generator voltage to 13.0-13.2 V. Charging will not suffer from this, but the generator will not “boil off”, i.e. will not lose its nominal capacity and will not reduce the resource.

How to remove or replace a voltage regulator?

Before replacing the voltage regulator, be sure to check the generator as a whole (How to check the generator?). The voltage regulator must be changed if the voltage under the load of the on-board network (distant, heated mirrors, stove are on) is less than 13v. Also, the voltage regulator can cause high voltage (above 14.7v). But, as stated above, before removing the regulator, you need to check the generator itself, familiarize yourself with other possible malfunctions (for example, the generator belt is loosely tensioned), and only then proceed to replace the voltage regulator. You will also need this article to replace the generator brushes. brushes and voltage regulator are installed on the generator assembly.

So how do you remove the voltage regulator? We open the hood, remove the negative terminal of the battery, find the generator, disconnect the “D” connector.

- Remove the protective rubber cap from the terminals of the wires of the "+" output. We unscrew the nut securing these wires, remove them from the generator block.

We find the voltage regulator, and use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew its fasteners.

We take out the voltage regulator assembly with brushes, and disconnect the block of wires from it.

We install the voltage regulator in strictly reverse order. It should be noted that in recent times, many motorists began to use three-level regulator voltage, in order to get rid of voltage drops in the on-board network.

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Content:

Voltage is actually electricity. It exists as a primordial force, the effect of which on any objects entails consequences due to their properties. Therefore, the ability to control voltage, its value means to influence the course of many processes in electrical circuits. And this is the most important thing in applied electrical engineering. Next, we'll talk about how to control electricity using a thyristor.

Such different voltages

Voltage can have different properties. Therefore, even the laws describing certain phenomena associated with electricity are limited in application. For example, Ohm's law for a chain section. And there are many such examples. Therefore, when stipulating the properties of an electric regulator, it is necessary to indicate exactly what voltage is meant.In general, two main types of it are considered - constant and variable.

They are like the beginning and end of a certain interval, within which impulse signals are located in a huge variety. And earlier, and now, and, most likely, in the future, only one element can regulate the value of all of them - a resistor. That is, an adjustable resistor is a rheostat. It always provides the same effect, regardless of the type of voltage. And at any time. And the moment in time in relation to an alternating or impulse signal is the basis of its definition.

What voltage does the thyristor regulate?

Indeed, depending on it, the magnitude of the voltage changes. The resistor can be driven by the signal at any time. But such a result cannot be obtained with a thyristor, because it is a key. He has only two states:

with minimal resistance when the key is closed;
with maximum resistance when the switch is open.

Therefore, the thyristor for the instantaneous voltage value cannot be considered as its regulator. Only within a sufficiently long time interval, at which many instantaneous signal values \u200b\u200bare taken into account, the thyristor can be considered as a voltage regulator. Since such a value is referred to as the effective value, it would be correct to clarify the definition of the regulator as

thyristor regulator of effective voltage.

How to connect key and load

The most attractive characteristic of thyristors from the very beginning of their appearance was the resistance to high currents. As a consequence, these semiconductor devices have found widespread use in a variety of powerful devices. However, in any case, when an electrical regulator is considered, there is an electrical circuit with a load. Equivalently, the load is represented as a resistor with some impedance.

In order for the voltage across this resistor to change, additional elements are needed that are connected to it either in series or in parallel. The first thyristors were non-latching. They could be opened (turned on) at any time. But to turn it off, it was necessary to reduce the current strength to a certain minimum value. For this reason, non-latching thyristors are used to this day only in electrical circuits of alternating or rectified current.

They were also used on constant voltage, but very limited. For example, in the first flash units with controlled light intensity. The light of the flash lamp, which, by controlling the thyristor, forms the necessary illumination of the object, gives a visual representation of the thyristor as an electric regulator for the lamp - load. The energy for this was provided by a capacitor, which was discharged through a special lamp. And in this case, the flash of the greatest strength was obtained.

But in order for the lamp to give less light, a thyristor was turned on in parallel with it. The lamp turned on and illuminated the object. And a special optical sensor with a control circuit monitored its characteristics. And at the right moment he turned on the thyristor. He shunted the lamp, which turned off at the speed of the thyristor. At the same time, part of the capacitor's energy simply disappeared in the form of heat, without bringing any benefit. But at that time it could not be otherwise - there were no lockable thyristors yet.

Types of thyristors and differences in circuits for their use

The thyristor was turned off, since the charging current of the capacitor was selected with this in mind. Of course, a circuit with a series connection of a thyristor and a load is much more efficient. And it is widely used. All dimmers that are used to control lighting and electrical appliances work according to this scheme. But there can be significant differences in them due to the type of thyristor used. The circuit with a symmetrical thyristor, which is operable on alternating voltage when directly connected to the load, turns out to be simpler.

But if we compare symmetric thyristors with ordinary ones that pass current in one direction, immediately noticeably wider the lineup the latter. In addition, their limiting electrical parameters are much higher. But at the same time, a rectifier is required. If a 220 V network is regulated, a rectifier bridge is needed, in which 4 powerful diodes are needed. But every semiconductor device, regardless of whether it is a transistor, thyristor or diode, is characterized by a residual voltage.

It changes little in accordance with the strength of the current flowing through it. And in doing so, heat dissipates on each of the semiconductor devices. If the currents reach units of amperes, the thermal power will be units of watts. Cooling radiators are required. And this is a deterioration in design indicators. Therefore, triac controllers are more compact and economical. To abandon the rectifier bridge, a circuit of two identical thyristors connected in parallel and opposite is used.

This is definitely a more economical solution for losses. However, the keys must have appropriate limiting reverse voltages. And this significantly limits the number of their models suitable for this scheme. In addition, it is more difficult to obtain symmetrical half-waves by controlling two switches than with one thyristor. But with a large current strength, which in industrial installations can be hundreds of amperes or more on a switched-on thyristor, a power of hundreds of watts is dissipated. Dynamic losses warm up the keys even more.

For this reason, reducing the number of semiconductor devices in high-power electrical controllers is a major challenge. The following images show industrial thyristor voltage regulators. In the modern assortment of thyristors among the mass-produced models, there are lockable keys. They can be used in chains direct current.

Therefore, the problems of voltage regulation in thousands of volts at powers, the value of which is measured in megawatts, today are successfully solved different models thyristors.

Voltage regulation allows not only to improve the quality of electricity, but also to improve the course of production processes at industrial enterprises: to reduce product defects, improve its quality, increase the productivity of people and the productivity of mechanisms, as well as, in some cases, reduce energy losses. Exists different ways voltage regulation. The variety of solutions is due to the requirements for stability, the required control accuracy, load parameters, economic and other factors.

Regulation in secondary power supplies

The magnitude of the rectified voltage in some cases needs to be changed. Such a need may arise when turning on powerful motors, heating the generator lamps, to reduce the inrush current when turned on.

The rectified voltage regulation can be carried out on the AC side (input), on the DC side (output) and in the rectifier itself using variable valves.

The following are used as voltage regulators on the AC side:

Regulated transformers or autotransformers.

Regulating chokes (magnetic amplifiers).

In a regulated transformer or autotransformer, the primary or secondary winding is made with several outputs.

The switch changes the number of winding turns and therefore the output voltage of the transformer or autotransformer.

When switching the windings, part of the turns may be short-circuited by the switch slider, which will lead to the creation of excessively high currents in the closed turns and to the failure of the transformer. Therefore, it is recommended to make such switching after disconnecting the transformer from the network. This is a big disadvantage.

Types of voltage regulators

1. By the number of nodes in one case:

Only voltage regulator

Voltage regulator with rectifier electric current

Combined regulator for AC voltage and DC voltage with rectifier

2. According to the rated voltage in the vehicle network and voltage variation:

Rated voltage 6 or 12 V

AC voltage or DC voltage

3. By electrical power (load) regulator

4. By the number of phases for 1-phase and 3-phase

5. By the type of regulated DC generator - for generators with independent excitation and generators with permanent magnets.

Thyristor-based AC Voltage Regulators

Thyristor controllers can significantly reduce the physical size of the device, reduce its cost and reduce power losses, but they have significant drawbacks that limit their capabilities. Firstly, they introduce quite noticeable interference into the electrical network, which often negatively affects the operation of televisions, radios, and tape recorders. Thyristor AC voltage regulators are widely used in electric drives, also for powering electrothermal installations. The use of thyristors for switching stator circuits asynchronous motors with a squirrel-cage rotor allows solving the problem of creating a simple and reliable contactless asynchronous electric drive. It is possible to effectively influence the processes of acceleration, deceleration, to carry out intensive braking and precise stopping. Non-sparking switching, no moving parts, high degree of reliability allow the use of thyristor controllers in explosive and aggressive environments.

Why does a generator need a regulator?

The generator set is designed to provide power to consumers included in the vehicle electrical system and to charge battery with the engine running. The output parameters of the generator should be such that in any modes of vehicle movement and engine operation, a progressive discharge of the battery or its overcharge does not occur, and the consumers are supplied with voltage and current of the required value.
In addition, the voltage in the vehicle's on-board network supplied by the generator set must be stable over a wide range of speed and load variations.

EMF of induction in accordance with Faraday's law, depends on the speed of movement of the conductor in a magnetic field and the magnitude of the magnetic flux:

E \u003d c × Ф × ω,

where c is a constant coefficient depending on the generator design;
ω - angular speed of the rotor (armature) of the generator:
Ф - magnetic flux of excitation.

Therefore, the voltage generated by the generator depends on the rotational speed of its rotor and the intensity of the magnetic flux generated by the field winding. In turn, the power of the magnetic flux depends on the magnitude of the excitation current, which varies in proportion to the rotor speed, since the rotor is made in the form of a rotating electromagnet.
In addition, the current supplied to the excitation winding depends on the amount of load that is currently being supplied to the consumers of the vehicle's on-board network. The higher the rotor speed and the excitation current, the higher the voltage generated by the generator, the higher the load current, the lower the generated voltage.

Voltage ripple at the generator output is unacceptable, since this can lead to the failure of the onboard consumers electrical networkor overcharging or undercharging the battery. Therefore, the use of generating sets on cars as a source of electricity has led to the use of special devices that maintain the generated voltage in a range acceptable for consumers. Such devices are called voltage regulators.
The function of the voltage regulator is to stabilize the voltage generated by the generator when the engine speed changes and the load in the on-board electrical network.

The easiest way to control the voltage generated by the generator is by changing the current in the excitation winding, thereby regulating the power of the magnetic field created by the winding. It would be possible to use a permanent magnet as a rotor, but it is difficult to control the magnetic field of such a magnet; therefore, rotors with electromagnets in the form of an excitation winding are used in generating sets of modern cars.

On cars, to regulate the generator voltage, discrete-type voltage regulators are used, which are based on the principle of operation of various kinds of relays. With the development of electrical engineering and electronics, generated voltage regulators have undergone a significant evolution, from simple electromechanical relays called vibration voltage regulators to contactless integral regulators, in which there are no moving mechanical elements at all.

Vibration voltage regulator

Let's consider the operation of the regulator using the example of the simplest vibration (electromagnetic) voltage regulator.

Vibration voltage regulator ( fig. 1) has an additional resistor R about, which is included in series in the excitation winding OV... The resistance value of the resistor is designed to provide the required generator voltage at maximum frequency rotation. Regulator winding ORwound on the core 4 , switched on for full generator voltage.

When the generator is not running, the spring 1 pulls the anchor 2 up while holding contacts 3 in a closed state. In this case, the excitation winding of the OF through the contacts 3 and anchor 2 connected to the generator, bypassing the resistor R about.

With an increase in the rotation frequency, the excitation current of the operating generator and its voltage increase. This increases the current in the regulator winding and the magnetization of the core. As long as the generator voltage is less than the set value, the magnetic attraction forces of the armature 2 to the core 4 insufficient to overcome the spring tension 1 and contacts 3 regulator remain closed, and the current passes into the field winding, bypassing the additional resistor.

When the generator voltage reaches the trip value U p the force of magnetic attraction of the armature to the core overcomes the tension force of the spring and the contacts of the voltage regulator open. In this case, an additional resistor will be included in the field winding circuit, and the field current, which reached the value of I p, will start to fall.
A decrease in the excitation current entails a decrease in the generator voltage, and this, in turn, leads to a decrease in the current in the winding OR... When the voltage drops to the short circuit value U s, the tension force of the spring will overcome the magnetic attraction of the armature to the core, the contacts will close again, and the excitation current will increase. With the engine and generator running, this process is periodically repeated at high frequency.
The result is a ripple between the generator voltage and the excitation current. Average voltage U Wed determines the generator voltage. Obviously, this voltage depends on the tension of the relay spring, therefore, by changing the spring tension, the generator voltage can be adjusted.

The design of vibration regulators ( fig. 1, a) includes a number of additional nodes and elements, the purpose of which is to ensure an increase in the oscillation frequency of the armature in order to reduce the voltage ripple (accelerating windings or resistors), reduce the effect of temperature on the value of the regulated voltage (additional resistors made of refractory metals, bimetallic plates, magnetic shunts), stabilization voltage (equalizing windings).

The disadvantage of vibration voltage regulators is the presence of moving elements, vibrating contacts that are subject to wear and tear, and a spring, the characteristics of which change during operation.
These drawbacks were especially pronounced in alternators, in which the excitation current is almost twice as high as in DC generators. The use of separate power supply branches of the excitation winding and two-stage voltage regulators with two pairs of contacts did not completely solve the problem and led to the complication of the regulator design, therefore, further improvement went, first of all, along the path of widespread use of semiconductor devices.
At first, contact-transistor designs appeared, and then contactless ones.

Contact transistor voltage regulators are a transitional design from mechanical to semiconductor regulators. In this case, the transistor performed the function of an element interrupting the current into the excitation winding, and an electromechanical relay with contacts controlled the operation of the transistor. In such voltage regulators, electromagnetic relays with moving contacts were retained, however, thanks to the use of a transistor, the current flowing through these contacts was significantly reduced, thereby increasing the service life of the contacts and the reliability of the regulator.

In semiconductor controllers, the excitation current is regulated by a transistor, the emitter-collector circuit of which is connected in series to the excitation winding.
The transistor works in a similar way to the contacts of a vibration regulator. When the generator voltage rises above a predetermined level, the transistor locks the field winding circuit, and when the regulated voltage level decreases, the transistor switches to the open state.

Electronic controllers change the excitation current by turning the excitation winding on and off from the mains supply (additional diodes).
As the rotor speed increases, the generator voltage increases. When it starts to exceed the level 13.5 ... 14.2 V, the output transistor in the voltage regulator is turned off and the current through the field winding is interrupted.
The generator voltage drops, the transistor in the regulator is unlocked and again passes current through the field winding.

The higher the generator rotor speed, the longer the time of the locked state of the transistor in the regulator, therefore, the more the generator voltage decreases.
This process of locking and unlocking the controller occurs at a high frequency. Therefore, the voltage fluctuations at the generator output are insignificant, and in practice it can be considered constant, maintained at the level 13.5 ... 14.2 V.

Structurally, voltage regulators can be performed as a separate device installed separately from the generator, or integral (integrated) installed in the generator case. Integrated voltage regulators are usually combined with a generator brush assembly.

Below are the schematic diagrams of connection and operation of semiconductor voltage regulators different types and designs.

For correct work car generator voltage adjustment is required. Thanks to the device, the potential is maintained within the operating range.

General view of a car generator

It is important to know about the device, the principle of operation, diagnostics, repair and replacement of the voltage regulator in the car. This will allow you to avoid a number of negative situations on the road, such as not starting the engine, burning car wiring.

Generator structure

Regardless of the make and model of the car, the type of car generator, a voltage regulator is always included in the design, which makes it possible to maintain performance regardless of the rotor speed. The adjustment is carried out by changing the strength of the electric current on the rotor winding.

Generator nodes (diagram):

The stator (housing) is the stationary part of an automobile generator.
There are three windings, they are connected into one star, which forms a three-phase alternating voltage.
A rotor, on the blades of which a magnetic field is formed, and an EMF.
Three-phase rectifier - semiconductor diodes that convert voltage. One side of the diodes is conductive, the other has an insulated surface.
Automatic voltage regulation device.

Car generator rotor

Three windings can significantly reduce ripple due to phase overlap.

How the generator works

When the rotor moves, an EMF occurs at the output of the automobile generator, which is directly connected to the battery. By means of regulation, it is transferred to the stator field winding. As the rotor speed increases, the voltage begins to change.

The voltage on the winding is always present.

To stabilize the voltage value, a voltage regulator relay is installed, where the input signal is processed and compared (in the analytical unit). In case of a deviation from the norm, the control unit sends a signal to the actuator, where the current decreases. After that, the voltage at the output of the car generator is stabilized. If the current is too low, the regulator increases the output voltage.

The principle of operation of the voltage regulator

To increase the reliability of operation, the regulators are performed according to simplified schemes. Includes several devices: signal comparison, control, setpoint and special sensors.

The finished circuit consists of two main elements:

Regulator. A device that allows you to adjust and monitor voltage. It is produced in two versions - analog (mechanical) and digital (electronic).
Graphite brushes that connect to semiconductor elements. Designed to supply voltage to the rotor of an automobile generator.

Graphite brushes transmit voltage to the rotor of the car generator

Modern devices have a microprocessor base.

Two-level regulation scheme

The structure includes three main elements: generator, battery, rectifier. There is a magnet inside the device, the winding of which is connected to the controller. Metal springs are used as driving devices, and movable levers are used for comparing devices. The contact group is used as a measuring device, and the constant resistance as a control device.

Two-level voltage regulator

The principle of operation of the two-level regulator

When a voltage and an electromagnetic field occurs, the signals are compared. A spring is used as a comparison device, which acts on the lever arm. The magnetic field acts on the lever in several directions (closes, opens, remains unchanged), after which the regulator circuit acts depending on the magnitude of the voltage.

When the signal leaves the working range upwards, the contacts open.

A constant voltage is connected to the circuit.

In this case, a lower current is supplied to the winding and the voltage is stabilized. If contact closure initially occurs, which indicates a low voltage, the amperage increases and the generator continues to operate normally.

Disadvantages of mechanical models:

rapid wear of parts;
the use of electromagnetic relays.

Electronic regulators

They work identically to analog models, except that the mechanical elements are replaced with digital sensors. Instead of classical electromagnetic relays, thyristors, triacs, transistors, etc. are used. The sensing element is a system of constant resistors installed on a voltage divider.

Electronic regulator circuit

The principle of operation is as follows: when voltage is applied to the thyristors, the output signals are compared. The executive body, depending on the data received, closes or opens, if necessary, including an additional resistance in the circuit.

The advantages of electronic models:

high precision of regulation;
the regulator is installed in a single block with brushes, which saves space, simplifies diagnostics, repair and replacement of equipment;
increased reliability and durability;
more fine tuning device;
semiconductor diodes are used as rectifiers, due to which the stability of the output voltage is ensured;
the driving element is made in the form of a zener diode.

For new car models, it is advisable to use more advanced control systems due to a more complex technical device.

Removing the voltage regulator

In order to remove the regulator from the rear cover of the car generator, you need a screwdriver (Phillips or flat). The generator itself and the belt do not need to be removed.

Remove the structure only after disconnecting the battery. Next, you need to disconnect the wire from the car generator by unscrewing the mounting bolts.

The main causes of autogenerator malfunctions:

erasing carbon brushes;
breakdown of insulation of semiconductor elements.

Regulator performance check

On almost all models of auto, the regulator relay is diagnosed in the same way. For diagnostics, a constant voltage source (battery, batteries), a 12 V lamp or a voltmeter is required.

The minus contact is connected to the device plate, the plus contact to the regulator relay connector.

After removing the regulator from the body, it is necessary to check the functionality of the brushes. If they are less than 5mm in length, the brush assembly must be replaced.

An incandescent lamp should be included in the circuit between a pair of brushes:

the extinction of the light bulb with increasing voltage indicates the health of the device;
the constant glow of the lamp when changing the parameters signals a malfunction of the voltage regulator.

Soldering new brushes will not work, because the reliability of the structure will decrease significantly. It is unacceptable to use LED products for testing, because conducting diagnostics according to this scheme will not give real results.

Test without removing voltage

It consists in measuring the on-board voltage in the car. The presence of surges in the network is also indicated by the flashing of the lamps during the trip. To check, you need a multimeter (or an ordinary incandescent lamp). A multimeter provides more accurate results.

Procedure:

Start the engine, turn on the headlights.
Connect the measuring device to the battery.
The operating voltage fluctuates between 12..14.8 V. When this interval is exceeded, the voltage regulator is considered faulty.

A live test does not determine the condition of the brush assembly. Out of operating voltage parameters can be associated with weakening or oxidation of contacts.

There is an improvement in the operation of control systems in cars. For modern cars, it makes no sense to use two-level regulation. More advanced systems have 2 or more additional resistances. In the new models, instead of the traditional additional resistance, the principle of increasing the frequency of operation of the electronic key is used.

Along with the classical ones, systems of tracking automatic control are used, in which there is no electromagnetic relay.

The most common method is a three-level frequency modulated control circuit for controlling logic gates.

Three-level regulation scheme

The charging quality of the battery depends on the efficiency of the voltage regulator. When not fully charged, the battery loses capacity at a high rate, and subsequently it becomes impossible to start the engine.

Three-level voltage regulator

Two-level models have a big drawback - the spread of the output voltage. Therefore, to increase the stability of the system, a three-level control system is used, which includes a toggle switch (changes the system parameters).

The use of this type of models allows more accurate diagnostics and control of the potential at the generator output, which is important for new models of the middle price level, where manufacturers do not always use high-quality mechanisms.

The most important application of this system in the winter season in regions with a cold climate, when the capacity of the battery is greatly reduced from low temperatures. Mechanical regulators were replaced by contactless three-level, more advanced ones.

The circuit and principle of operation are similar to the two-level models, except that the voltage first enters the information processing unit. In case of deviation from the operating value, sound signal (mismatch). After that, the strength of the electric current supplied to the winding changes to the working value.

Installation principle

It is allowed to install three-level models in any car independently, provided that you know the connection diagram:

It is necessary to disconnect the brush assembly by unscrewing the bolts.
Install the semiconductor unit on the car body, making the necessary fasteners.
The semiconductor unit is first installed on an aluminum heat sink, because requires effective cooling and then attaches to the case.

In the absence of a cooling system, regulation will not occur correctly.

After installing two nodes, it is necessary to provide electrical connection between them with wires, ensuring high-quality insulation of the cases.

The surfaces must be covered with insulating material to prevent short circuits to the case. A switch should be provided for switching semiconductors.

A case is required to install the structure. Usually they use plastic or aluminum, which has a higher heat transfer, i.e. cooling will be more efficient.

Video. Generator in car

The voltage regulator in the car circuit occupies one of the key places. It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the device, carry out scheduled inspections in a timely manner, clean the contacts (to prevent malfunctions). Because the part is located in the lower, not protected from dust and moisture, side of the engine compartment, regularly clean the surfaces from dirt.

If there are external defects and damage, do not use such devices, because in this case, a quick discharge of the battery or a complete failure of the car generator, as well as the electrical part of the car (due to a sharp increase in voltage in the on-board network) is possible.