A modern car is densely saturated with numerous instruments and devices, the performance of which is determined by receiving power from the on-board DC network. When the engine is running, the current source is an electric generator, the rotor of which rotates due to the presence of a mechanical connection with the shaft. The engine speed varies widely, causing the generator output voltage to fluctuate. To reduce voltage variations to the required value, a stabilizer is installed at the output of the rectifier, which is made in the form of a relay regulator.
Car alternator output voltage problem
The list of functions of the generator necessarily includes recharging the on-board battery, which is carried out with a certain current to ensure a long service life. The simplest way to set its value is to slightly exceed the voltage taken from the output of the relay-regulator over the current value of the battery voltage. In this case, a serious problem immediately arises, which is due to the fact that, depending on the ambient temperature, the value of this excess should be different.
An obvious and fairly easily implemented solution to obtain a given output voltage using temperature correction of the regulator response threshold by installing an appropriate sensor is of low efficiency. The reason for this is that the temperature in the engine compartment, due to its proximity to a heated engine, differs from the air temperature, and it is not possible to determine the degree of this difference by simple means.
Another problem in determining the set value of the charging current is due to the fact that even at a constant ambient temperature, the load on the on-board network varies within wide limits. This leads to a “failure” in the battery charge level and difficulty starting a cooled engine after parking.
A good way to solve these problems is to switch to a relay-regulator, which makes the necessary adjustments by discretely changing the voltage that the generator creates. The specified value of the response threshold of this device is set by the driver independently using a three-position toggle switch. Some regulators connect automatically and contain an internal sensor that monitors the instantaneous value of the on-board network voltage. In both cases, the selection of the cutoff threshold is carried out taking into account external factors, primarily the current temperature and operating conditions of the vehicle.
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2. MAX - both diodes are used 3. MID - only diode D2 is used. In such a scheme, any switching is painless - in intermediate states of the toggle switch there will be mode No. 2.
I connected the red wire to the “In” terminal, and the black wire to the “Out” terminal.
- When toggle switch S1 is in position “1” , the generator operates in normal mode.
- In position “3” of toggle switch S1, one Schottky diode is connected. The voltage at the generator output increases by 0.3-0.4V.
- When toggle switch S1 is in position “2” , two Schottky diodes connected in series are connected to the generator circuit. The generator output voltage increases by (0.3-0.4V)*2.
Advantages of using a three-level relay and features of its installation
In practice, three-level regulators designed for the 9th and older VAZ models have become widespread. This is due to the fact that replacing the standard relay with a three-level one provides the following advantages:
- stabilization of alarm operation in severe frosts;
- increasing the brightness of headlights and interior lighting lamps;
- a sharp increase in the efficiency of the heater;
- increasing the speed of power windows.
Kits for VAZ “ten” and 14th models are quite common; there are also devices for “Volga” and “Gazelle”. Their use on these vehicles gives a similar effect.
A three-level relay-regulator is purchased in the form of a ready-to-install kit, which includes detailed illustrated instructions. The main elements of the kit are a contact group, a relay itself with a slide-type switch for selecting the stabilization voltage, and connecting wires.
Before starting replacement work, it is advisable to charge the battery and then disconnect its negative terminal.
The contact group of the new device is mounted directly on the seats of the previously dismantled old one; installation does not require the use of adapters and other auxiliary elements. The connecting wire is pulled through the generator cover (you may need to cut a hole in it to the required size), and the relay itself is attached to a free mounting stud with the terminals facing down. When installing, additionally check for reliable ground contact. After installing and assembling the generator, we check it.
Installation and connection instructions
For Lada cars (except Vesta, XRAY)
, photo author:
2.
Remove the plastic casing of the generator. To do this, first disconnect the generator excitation wire. Then unscrew the nut from the stud (10mm wrench) and move the power wire to the side. Next, 3 latches on the plastic casing are unfastened.
3.
Remove the standard voltage regulator from the generator. To do this, unscrew two screws ("8" key) and disconnect the wire.
4.
Install a three-level voltage regulator on the generator instead of the standard one.
5.
Output 2 wires for the control module. The module itself should be mounted in conditions of reliable contact with the “ground” and as far as possible from the possibility of moisture ingress. For example, on a hairpin near the right headlight.
For Lada Vesta, XRAY cars (with Valeo TG12C209 generator).
This generator is no different from the previous ones, the only difference is in the voltage regulator. It communicates with the engine ECU via a “lin” interface. The task of this “lin” is to avoid loss of throttle response at power modes. By installing the TRN, we cut off the ability to control the regulator using the ECU!
For this generator there is no ready-made solution in the form of a TRN yet, so the design will have to be modified.
- three-level voltage regulator (article 67.3702-01)
- 2-pin block 904576 NORD YADA
- generator voltage regulator (leave the standard one (if the brushes are live) or ARV1103AD)
- wire for powering the regulator (2 meters)
How to remove RN
You can remove the old regulator without visiting a service station. To do this, you need to perform the following operations:
- Disconnect the terminals from the battery.
- Using a 10mm wrench, unscrew the nuts from the stud and disconnect the power cable.
- Unfasten the three latches on the plastic casing. After this, access to the regulator opens.
- Next, unscrew the two screws with a size 8 wrench and disconnect another wire.
- After this, you can remove the factory LV and install a 3-level one.
Please note that installation of a new generator occurs in the reverse order. There is only one feature: you need to bring out two wires for the control module. It is very important that the control module is secured very well and that there is no chance of moisture getting in there.
Application of three-level voltage regulator
This is why a voltage regulator is installed. We won’t go into details, but the relay is connected to the brush assembly and regulates the output voltage by limiting and stabilizing the generator winding currents. Normal operation of the relay regulator on a VAZ 2110 assumes the presence of 13-14 volts at the output and this is quite enough for the battery to recharge normally in operating mode.
It is enough if you do not add additional electricity consumers. This is a clear mistake by the engineers, although most likely they are using a generator design from half a century ago, when the most powerful consumer on board could only have been a tape recorder with cassettes. It is at this point that three-level voltage regulators should come into the picture and offer their assistance.
How the device works
Three-level regulators are able to fulfill almost any conditions that are necessary for a battery to charge efficiently, and the overall network voltage does not drop, but only stabilizes. There is nothing complicated in its design, since it is the same regulator, only three pieces, with a special electronic control mechanism that can take into account very important things:
- Battery condition.
- Its charge level.
- Load on the battery.
- Ambient temperature.
- Number of engine revolutions.
Based on this data, the device can independently set the optimal charging voltage for the battery without depriving other consumers, which is very important in winter and in the dark.
Checking the work
How to use modes:
- Switch position “min” - for operation at high ambient temperatures (above 20ºС), as well as during operation in particularly difficult conditions (traffic in traffic jams, long climbs in the mountains, etc.);
- The middle position of the switch is for operation at ambient temperatures from 0ºС to 20ºС;
- The “max” switch position is for operation at low ambient temperatures (below 0ºC), as well as for recharging a discharged battery.
Average load (PTF, dimensions, music and heater fan at first speed)
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Maximum load, maximum number of consumers activated
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Will you be installing a three-level voltage regulator on your car? Take part in the survey and leave your feedback in the comments.
Let us remind you that another reason for low voltage on the on-board network may be a bad ground.
How to stabilize voltage
We ourselves are to blame, but there are certain complaints about the standard voltage regulator. He, poor thing, cannot take into account the mass of tasks that we pile on his little head in the process of improving the car and adding various devices. A new solution has appeared, especially relevant in VAZ cars of the tenth family and above. Not because these cars are most often stuffed with additional devices, but because the generator and relay regulator are designed close to the rated current consumption.
