I realize there are sophisticated computer controls in today’s automobiles, so let’s keep it simple and use an old Jeep CJ as an example. The thing sometimes powers the lights, wipers, water pumps, radio and charges the battery, but once the battery is completely charged, and all those accessories are turned off, the alternator is still churning out the same output. Where does it go?
In: 4
The alternator doesn’t churn out electricity in that scenario.
The center rotating piece is an electromagnet, not a permanent magnet. There is a regulator, either built into the alternator or external and connected to it via wiring, which monitors the voltage output of the alternator and and adjust the charge to the electromagnet to increase or decrease production. This is also how it avoids overproducing during constant but lower than max draw (running the engine but not every light and fan, for example). Since it’s controlling the voltage this is also how alys produce a reliable voltage (usually about 14-14.5v) instead of spinning up to something higher and damaging all the nominally 12 or 24 volt input devices connected to it.
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