Alternator testing method and system using timed application of load

A system for evaluating the operation of an alternator driven by a motor, comprising:

• a load;
• a terminal for receiving an alternator output signal representative of an alternator characteristic;
• a sensor for generating a speed signal representative of an engine speed or an alternator speed;
• a switch device for selectively coupling the load to the alternator;
• a controller for determining characteristics of the alternator output signal and for controlling operation of the switch device;
• wherein, in response to the speed signal indicating the engine speed or the alternator speed reaching a predetermined level, the controller generating a first switch operation signal to control the switch device to couple the load to the alternator, and
• the controller determines characteristics of the alternator output signal based on parameters collected after the load has been coupled to the alternator for a first predetermined period of time.

A system for evaluating the operation of an alternator, comprising:

• a load;
• a terminal for receiving an alternator output signal representative of an alternator characteristic;
• a switch device for selectively coupling the load to the alternator;
• and
• a controller for determining characteristics of the alternator output signal and for generating a first switch operation signal to control the switch device to couple the load to the alternator;
• and
• wherein the controller determines the characteristics of the alternator output signal based on parameters collected only after the load has been coupled to the alternator for a first predetermined period of time.

A housing of an alternator tester, comprising:

• a first compartment for receiving a circuit board;
• a second compartment for housing a load;
• an air inlet disposed on one side of the second compartment;
• a fan forming an air outlet on the other side of the second compartment;
• and
• wherein the load, the air inlet and the fan are substantially in line, the air inlet and the fan form an air flow path, when the fan is in operation, the heat generated by the load is dissipated to the surrounding air and drawn out through the air outlet, and the housing has a size suitable to be held in one's hand.