Another Ammeter bypass question:
I'm afraid you think the purpose of the alternator is to feed the battery.
This is not correct.
You may have noticed the ammeter shows no flow from the battery when you're driving around.
Power flows from the highest voltage source.
The alternator runs at a higher voltage than the battery.
When the engine is running, the alternator supplies power.
The amount of current flowing to the battery reduces as it gets closer to full charge. We see this on the ammeter as flow to the battery after starting. After its charged, the ammeter shows no flow to the battery.
Current to all the other electric needs is flowing from the alternator. If its just ignition, its just an amp or two. If the lights on and heater fan going, its more like 20 amps, etc.
If the alternator can not supply all of the power demanded, then the system voltage drops until battery becomes the highest source. Then battery supplies the power.
This was a normal occurance at a stop at night with lights wipers and fan on.
I'm afraid you think the purpose of the alternator is to feed the battery.
This is not correct.
You may have noticed the ammeter shows no flow from the battery when you're driving around.
Power flows from the highest voltage source.
The alternator runs at a higher voltage than the battery.
When the engine is running, the alternator supplies power.
The amount of current flowing to the battery reduces as it gets closer to full charge. We see this on the ammeter as flow to the battery after starting. After its charged, the ammeter shows no flow to the battery.
Current to all the other electric needs is flowing from the alternator. If its just ignition, its just an amp or two. If the lights on and heater fan going, its more like 20 amps, etc.
If the alternator can not supply all of the power demanded, then the system voltage drops until battery becomes the highest source. Then battery supplies the power.
This was a normal occurance at a stop at night with lights wipers and fan on.
