THE ALTERNATING SYSTEM

Oftentimes the alternator goes bad and the operator fails to identify it until it gradually leads to total breakdown. The alternator is a mechanical device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

In automobile the alternator is used to charge the battery and to power all electrical systems when the engine is running.it changes the spinning motion of the fan belt into electrical energy. The alternator carryout several function to enhance the efficiency of the automobile and comfort of the operator.

Modern alternators are constructed with built in regulator circuit that  switch on and off automatically to the rotor coil to regulate output voltage. For the electrical component of the automobile to work effectively the alternator supplies electric current steadily while the engine is running. Also the charging system solely depends on the alternator to supply alternating current to a rectifier
assembly which in turns converts it to direct current. The direct current produced is what is used for the battery and the car electrical system. Not forgetting the most important fact, the battery will be completely discharged without the alternator.

alternating system

HOW DOES AN ALTERNATOR WORK
The main components of an alternator are the rotor, stator and diode. The principle of operation behind an alternator is not complex, when the magnet inside a fixed coil of wire called the stator rotates about its axis, electromagnetic induction takes places,hence current induced. The rotating magnet is called the rotor. The induced current is converted to DC  by the diode.


HOW TO DETECT A FAULTY ALTERNATOR
You can tell if an alternator is bad if

• The rotor inside the alternator which rotates on bearings fails, a loud grinding noise will be heard.

• The voltage rating reads 12 volts when measured with a voltmeter. the standard rating of the alternator ought to be 14 volts. This test can be carried in an automobile after starting it, then switch off all electrical accessories and raise the vehicle to a fast idle. To measure the voltmeter should be placed on the battery terminals.

• Failed fan belt. For the alternator to work effectively, the fan belt need to spin continuously via the pulley.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN ALTERNATOR GOES BAD

Here is the principal question, what happens? At first nothing happens due to the reserve power of  battery . The reserve power in the battery can travel the vehicle to far distance if the electrical accessories that drains the battery are switched off. 

What follows as the battery loses its charge, is that there will be insufficient voltage to keep the engine running properly.



Photocredit: goldeagle,com

FACTORS THAT WILL HELP OVERCOME ACADEMICAL MISTAKE AS A ENGINEER

Its a fact that Engineering builds the society. therefore knowing your drive is a very important factor before engaging in any engineering discipline. Every human has different reasons and drive in engaging in any course. Some are inspired or motivated by friends and love one, others are either parentally pressurized or passionately inspired. Albert Einstein said" I have no special talents,  i am only passionately curious". Nothing is as important as passion.

Gaining admission into the higher institution to further your career is overwhelming, but many tend to lose focus just after the first year in school. Below are 10 factors that will help your focus in your engineering discipline. 

                Mechanical engineering student of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun,Delta state,Nigeria

• GETTING INTO THE BEST SCHOOL IN TOWN SHOULD NOT BE A PRIORITY

Truly, a renowned institution have a lot going for them and can seem pretty impressive on a resumé, but they're not your only option. In engineering especially, prospective employers will likely be more interested in your own projects and achievements, rather than those of your alma mater.

So don't sweat it if you didn't get accepted into your first choice. Let your work speak for itself, because that's all that matters in the wider world.

• NEVER BE AN IDLE MAN, SOCIALIZE AND NETWORK

Studying is paramount but socializing gives you the awareness of latest update around campus and your department.Through socializing knowledge outside your field of study is acquired.

Not only will a healthy social life keep you from burning out on your studies, but it will help you develop your social and communication skills. This will be a credit to you when you enter the working world post-graduation.

Socializing can be a great way to get your work recognized and put yourself on the radar for future employers, too.

Even if you're not on the look-out for work for a while, it's always a good idea to get your name out there. You never know who might vouch for you later when you're looking to land your first big job.

• NEVER CLAIM TO BE A GENIUS, ASK FOR HELP WHEN IN NEED

Pride of being the best in our various secondary educational institute should be dropped when admitted into the tertiary institute.If you're struggling, ask someone for help. It will save you so much stress in the long run, and there's nothing wrong with gaining a little humility.

• NEVER BE SELECTIVE IN LECTURES TO ATTEND

Most tertiary institute operates in a complex system whereby course not related to your disciple will be lectured. Many of which are interesting and attractive while some are boring and difficult to understand. 

In every nonsense there is always a sense and no knowledge gained is lost, so it my advice that you never be selective cause everything you learn will provide you with the best possible basis for your work. While you might not put everything to the test in real life, it's still essential.

• BE A MOTIVATING FACTOR TO YOURSELF, NO ROOM FOR EXCUSES

Spending a quality time brainstorming the value you could give out to the real world after school or while in school is very important. 

Sometimes the institute we found ourselves might not be supportive and encouraging but that should not be factor for failure and excuses.If you don't understand something and it wasn't covered in any of your classes, find out independently. Don't wait around for someone else to tell you, because that might not happen.

You have an entire library at your disposal - use it wisely! Showing that you can work independently and demonstrating a real interest in your studies will set you apart from the crowd

NOTE: the value you create commands success and money.

• ALWAYS STRIVE FOR DISTINCTION

A distinct student never settles for the less, they always aim higher. 

Truly there will come a time when you will be filled with excuses to research and report your practicals, completion of assignments and other weight. Never give in, go for the best because in the field the knowledge gained in the institute will enable you explain your work.

• IF NO FUN IN WHAT YOU DO, THEN IT WAS NOT YOUR PASSION

 Engineering is not for all,  its for the passionate and those who truly wants to make a difference in the world.  There is fun in things we are passionate about. Your passion is like a transducer that converts the pressure for get from your studies into fun.

If you come to realize that engineering isn't for you and that your course is making you miserable, there's no shame in reconsidering this path. At the end of the day, if you don't enjoy studying it, you probably don't want to commit to it as a career.

• IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE SECOND TO YOUR PASSION

 Now whereby Most economy finds it difficult in providing a lucrative job after graduation to its citizens yearly, studying any engineering discipline is bold step toward financial freedom.

 Its a fact that Engineering builds the society. Especially mechanical engineers who are fondly called the jack of all trade uses its technical and creative abilities to create and add value to the society.

While your chances of finding employment with a degree in engineering are good, there's no such thing as a guaranteed job. Don't study engineering because you think it will get you hired. Study engineering because you're truly passionate about it.

• INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT

Some of the best lessons take place outside of campus. Whether you take on an internship, or just a hobby that tests your skills, it's important to put your education into practice.

You'll never fully understand some of the things you're studying until you put them to the test. Find a practical outlet for your theoretical studies that you enjoy doing.

                            MED workshop, PTI

• BE VAST IN ENGINEERING

You want to be a mechanical engineer, so you should just focus on classes devoted to mechanical engineering, right? Wrong. Give yourself a broader base and take classes in concentrations outside of your own.

You'll be surprised at what you can apply to your own work, and it will give you a better understanding of other engineers and their processes. This will be invaluable when it comes to working with other engineers later in life.

MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING AS A FIELD OF STUDY

Technology has been effective in the production and construction of machineries of which have upgraded the standard of living globally.

This rise in technology has made complex jobs easier, and comfort of mankind enhanced through the use of smart systems/device. Devices like the fuel injection system, anti-lock braking system where software applied to control mechanism has produced a more powerful, dynamic and efficient behaviour of the vehicle when accelerating or decelerating. The industrial robots, machine tools, aircraft flight control and navigation system, washing machines and dryers have helped the standard of living.
These devices are produced by the MECHATRONICS ENGINEERS.

MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING
The engineering technology called "mechatronics" was invented by Tetsuro mori who was a senior engineer at the yaskawa electrical corporation in 1969. In 1971,  the word mechatronics was registered as a trademark by the company in Japan with the registration number 46-32714 thereafter brought to public. It has spread worldwide and has been translated into other languages.

MECHATRONICS AS A FIELD OF STUDY
Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of science that involves the combination of mechanical , electronics,telecommunication, system, computer and control engineering.
French standard NFE 01-010 defines it as an approach aiming at synergistic integration of mechanics, electronics, control theory and computer science within product design and manufacturing in order to improve and optimize its functionality.
The principle guiding electronics, mechanics and computing are brought together to create more simpler, economical and more reliable systems to solve man's need. Example is the industrial robots that consists of mechanic, electronics and computing to carryout its daily activities.

Study.com stated that aspiring mechatronic engineers are adviced to possess at least bachelor's degree in the field of study because it enables competent application of a various aspect of engineering, including mechanical and electronics design skill.

WHY MECHATRONICS
In mechatronics

• Functionality and features are enhanced 
• Mechanical solutions are expensive when compared to mechatronics
• Efficiency of the system is improved due to intelligence of the system design
• Precision, speed, flowrate, positions etc can be controlled by the use of micro controllers
• Mechatronics engineers are well paid compared to other engineering jobs 

JOB OPPORTUNITY 
As a mechatronics engineer you can fit into vacancies based on ; manufacturing , Robotics,  vision systems for high speed manufacturing,  computer aided designs and packaging, machinery designs for industries.

Photo credit: www.justscience.in