#Magneto operation explained generator#
However, the situation demands that the generator output should remain nearly constant. It varies to a great extent throughout the engine’s speed, corresponding to its power-band. As the engine speed increases, so does the speed of the generator. The speed of the generator largely depends on the speed of the engine. In earlier generation vehicles, you can see this type of arrangement. The generator gets the drive from the engine, generally thru’ the fan belt. It supplies the electrical energy for charging the battery of a vehicle. Vehicle Electrical System: Dynamo/GeneratorĪ Dynamo/Generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Then, the magneto generates electrical energy from the input of the mechanical energy. Initially, you need the input from the battery to start the engine. The main advantage of this system is reduced weight. However, few motorcycles, small bikes, and quads still use the magneto system. Today, the use of such magnetos for ignition is very limited. However, if the engine shuts down, then it again needs external input to restart. The main advantage of the magneto is that its output is steady regardless of load variations. Magneto’s magnetic field strength is constant. Thus, magneto converts the mechanical energy of the engine into electrical energy to run the engine uninterruptedly. Cranking mechanism (Usually a kick in a motorcycle).However, some small bikes still use the 6 Volts system, whereas some commercial vehicles use the 24 Volts system. Generally, most cars use the 12 Volts electrical system.
![magneto operation explained magneto operation explained](https://aerotoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/aircraft-magneto-schematic.png)
Today, modern cars make use of the negative earth in their electrical system. However, later this system was discontinued. In this system, the battery's positive terminal was attached to the chassis while the negative terminal was live. Negative Earth:Įarlier generation cars mostly used the positive ground in their electrical system.
![magneto operation explained magneto operation explained](https://aerotoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/no-register.png)
So, they employed different mechanisms to generate, regulate, store and supply the vehicles' electric current effectively. Hence, the engineers felt the need for consistency in the generation of electric power.
![magneto operation explained magneto operation explained](https://www.flight-mechanic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/4-5.jpg)
Even more advanced steering systems such as Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) also operate by electric power. Nowadays, the majority of vehicular systems have an electric function for ease of operation and precision control. Over time, these components started operating electrically/electronically, shedding their pure mechanical function that the earlier vehicles used. Most components of the earlier-generation vehicles were predominantly mechanical in nature and operation.