Generator — General Description (Opel Ascona C)

The vehicles described in this Manual are equipped with a Bosch or Delco-Remy type alternator; these two types have similar design and output current. The generator produces alternating current (AC), which is converted by diodes into direct current (DC), since direct current is needed to charge the battery.

The generator has a rotating field and basically consists of a laminar stator on which the output windings are wound, a rotor carrying the field windings and a diode rectifier. The voltage regulator is built into the Delco-Remy type generator, while the Bosch type generator has a regulator mounted on the rear. The generator produces current in the stator windings, and the rotor is the carrier of the field. Therefore the field brushes carry only a small current, and since they move on simple removable rings, their service life is very long. This design allows the generator to be a fairly reliable device that requires minimal care and maintenance.

The rotor is driven by a belt from a pulley on the top of the engine through a pulley attached to the rotor shaft. A fan attached to the pulley forces cooling air through the device. Rotation is clockwise when viewed from the drive end.