Alternator testing method and system using timed application of load

摘要

A system (100) for evaluating the operation of an alternator driven by a motor, comprises: a load (117); a terminal (125) for receiving an alternator output signal (113) representative of an alternator characteristic; a sensor for generating a speed signal representative of an engine speed or an alternator speed; a switch device (121) for selectively coupling the load to the alternator; a controller (101) for determining characteristics of the alternator output signal and for controlling operation of the switch device (121); wherein, in response to the speed signal indicating the engine speed or the alternator speed reaching a predetermined level, the controller (101) generating a first switch operation signal to control the switch device (121) to couple the load (117) to the alternator, and the controller (101) determines characteristics of the alternator output signal based on parameters collected after the load (117) has been coupled to the alternator for a first predetermined period of time.