What is a diode rectifier for on an alternator?
Answers:
A diode rectifier is a circuit that transforms Alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) by reversing the negative part of the AC current. Diodes only let current through in one direction, so if they are set up in a certain way (4 junctions) then this is possible.
A diode circuit to convert the AC power from the alternator to DC
Your alternator makes A.C. Alternating current. A sine wave. (S on it's side)
A single diode will only allow current flow in one direction giving a 'half wave form' (P on it's side) but use four of them and it can invert the missing half of the wave (B on it's side) add a few capacitors and you can an almost perfect non-fluctating DC Direct current output.
Everything in your can runs on DC..
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