Generator — general information

The generator is a compact power plant. When the engine is running, it supplies electricity to all electrical units and constantly charges the battery with excess electricity. In Focus with engine displacement of 1.4 and 1.6 liters, 14-volt three-phase current generators with a capacity of 70 A are operated, with engine displacements of 1.8 liters - 14-volt three-phase current generators with a capacity of 90 A. They are driven by poly-V-belt belts and rotate at about twice the engine speed. Three-phase current generators produce alternating current. which is converted into direct current by a rectifier integrated into the housing. The required onboard voltage is limited by a voltage regulator mounted on the back of the generator. The generator charges the accumulator and at the same time will supply the electric power on all included electric consumers.

Protects the battery by adjusting the charging system via PCM

Cold batteries are recharged most efficiently with increased voltage, hot batteries, on the contrary, with reduced voltage. This fact Ford takes into account in the Focus, using expensive regulation: the charging system is subject to supervision by the transmission control unit (RSM). It adapts the charging voltage using the intake air temperature sensor signal (IAT) to the current temperature of the battery. To do this, it calculates the most suitable voltage setpoint and sends it to the controller via a communication connection.

At the same time, the PCM controls and monitors the downstream generator. If the current consumption is high or the battery is dead, the system increases, for example, the idle speed. In order to minimize the load on the engine when starting (starter, battery), slipper clutch inside the alternator (in diesel - external) disconnects the belt pulley from the anchor shaft: the alternators in the Focus start running in top shape if the engine is running. Then the PCM constantly increases the power of the generator with the help of the aforementioned coupling. Do not attempt to repair failed generators at Focus - this is a typical workshop case.