Alternators & Regulators - DELCO-REMY With Integral Regulator: Operation

Two brushes carry current through slip rings to and from field coil mounted on rotor. Stator windings are assembled on the inside of a laminated core that forms part of the alternator frame.

A rectifier bridge, connected to stator windings, contains 6 diodes (3 positives and 3 negatives) molded into an assembly. This rectifier bridge changes stator A.C. voltage into D.C. voltage, which appears at output terminal.

The blocking action of the diodes prevents battery discharge back through alternator. Because of the blocking action, the need for a cutout relay is eliminated. Alternator field current is supplied through a diode trio which is also connected to stator windings.

A capacitor is mounted in end frame, protecting rectifier bridge and diodes from high voltage and suppressing radio interference noise. Some vehicles are equipped with ammeters, others with voltmeters.