Car Alternator Regulators

Created: "Mar 2, 2011"
Updated: "May 28, 2015...I Added a Note Below, Re: Generators.

Previously I had some Transistor Regulators posted here. I have Removed them as my New Mosfet Regulator Designs are Much Better.

My NEW: Mosfet Regulator has Hystersis. This Hystersis turns it Full On or Full Off within a small fraction of a volt difference. So it creates Almost No Heating in the Mosfet Driver.

NOTE: A Zener Diode in this circuit Creates the Reference Voltage. But if Needed, you can Add a Diode in Series with a Zener to increase its voltage by 0.6 Volts. So a 14 Volt Zener with the Series Diode will be 14.3 to 14.6 Volts, depending on the type of diode. Most Normal Diodes are about 0.6 Volts, but Schotkey Diodes are 0.3 or 0.4 Volts.

If a High Voltage Output is Required, a 24, 36 or 48 volt Zener can be used. But the FIELD Winding Still Requires a 12 Volts Supply.

NOTE: Alternators require a High RPM, if it is to generate a High Voltage or High Currents. EXAMPLE: Usually they require an Engine RPM of around 1500 to 2000 for full power. And the Alternator is actually spinning Faster than this because of the Pully's ratio.

CAUTION, The Diodes in Alternators can Vary in Voltage Ratings. Some may be as low as 30 Volts, while others may be 50 or 100 Volt Ratings.

If you plan to get HIGHER Voltage OUT but you DON'T Know which Diodes you have in your Alternator, I Suggest you REPLACE Them with Appropriately Rated Diodes.

Also, Definately Fuse the Output appropriately.

For BEST PROTECTION, Put your new Diodes External to the Alternator and add a Seperate Inline Fuse going into Each Diode.

Also, DIODES Require Suitable HEAT SINKS and GOOD AIR FLOW for COOLING, if expected to operate at their Rated CURRENT!


NOTE: It is NOT POSSIBLE to use this Regulator on Car "Generators".
The Regulators for Generators are Considerably Different than Alternator Regulators.
They do not work in the same way.


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My New P-Mosfet Alternator Regulator with Hystersis.

  The Schematic,
This Mosfet Regulator can do alternators with either Grounded or Non-Grounded Field Windings.

  The PCB,
This Mosfet Regulator can do alternators with either Grounded or Non-Grounded Field Windings.

  Overlay Picture,
This Mosfet Regulator can do alternators with either Grounded or Non-Grounded Field Windings.


An Adjustable Version of this Alternator Regulator is Also Available,

But it Somewhat Depends on What Range of Output Voltage you Need?


Previously Built,

"Shaun's Alternator/Regulator Test Setup on his Metal Laithe"
Shaun is using my new P-Mosfet Regulator for a 36 volt output.
He Needed to Gear it up to get 3500 RPM for it to work on the Laithe.

"See Doug's Alternator/Regulator & Generator"


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Chemelec
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