Description & Operation: Generator
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Land Rover Discovery, 2003 Land Rover Discovery, 2002 Land Rover Range Rover, 2002 Land Rover Discovery, and 2001 Land Rover Range Rover. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
When the engine is started inside the generator the magnetized rotor turns within the stator windings, generating 3 phase alternating current and a voltage that rises rapidly with rotor speed. The field diode in the rectifier pack converts the alternating current into direct current flowing through the field windings. This causes an increase in the magnetic influence of the rotor, resulting in energy output higher than the battery level. The field current increases with rotor speed and thus increases the generated current and voltage until the generator is producing electrical output at an energy level higher than the battery.