摘要 |
The present invention provides an apparatus for reducing the allowed output current from an electrical device such as a high output capacity vehicle alternator in response to a sensed over temperature condition. In one embodiment, a thermistor is attached to the housing of an alternator to provide temperature sensing capability. As temperature exceeds a temperature set point established by a resistor bridge, op-amps, in combination with a power FET in series with the alternator field windings, act to reduce the allowed current output from the alternator in proportion to the extent the set point temperature has been exceeded. As the alternator temperature returns to below the set point, the output current restriction is reduced such that the allowed current flow is maximized without exceeding the temperature set point.
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