Question

How is field current routed through an alternator?

Answer 1

Alternator is a type of electric generator which requires field current to provide a constant voltage across the terminal so we will discuss the working of an alternator with the help of field regulation and how field current can be routed through and alternator.

Complete answer:
Alternator is a device which can convert mechanical energy to AC electrical energy, by giving higher outputs they are more efficient than generators.
The rotor in the alternator consists of a wire coil wrapped around the iron core and current flowing through it is called field current. Field current is supplied from two different sources first from the alternator itself and second from the battery also known as a warning lamp. Current flows through the warning lamp to the field coil of the alternator.
The amount of field current depends on voltage of the battery, if voltage drops more field current will give input to the rotor by which magnetic field will increase and eventually voltage output of alternator increases similarly if voltage goes up field current flows through rotor will decrease and output voltage of alternator will also decrease.
We can say that the field current is supplied to the rotor via slip rings and these field windings are supplied with power from the battery connected to the terminals.

Note:
In parallel operations of alternator if there is some kind of breakdown during production, still connection will remain. Alternators are mainly used in the automobile industry to charge the battery. They produce voltage according to their need and are generally small in size so they are more efficient than generators.