Theory and Operation
The generator on a Delco Light Plant serves two purposes:
- It acts as a motor at the time of starting, transforming electricity, which is supplied from the storage batteries, into mechanical power for cranking the engine.
- When the engine is running, the generator changes automatically from a motor to a generator. It then transfers the mechanical power produced by the engine into electrical energy, which is used to recharge the batteries, or for direct power and light.
Almost all Delco Light Plants are air cooled. Fins cast into the flywheel were used to draw cooler air down past past the cylinder through the draft tube and disburse hot air out.
