[Spam] Re: [Ducati] Misc ponderings about regulators

[MS&F]

Very simplified version:

A shunt regulator monitors the maximum voltage in the charging system and
when it exceeds a set value, "dumps" the extra current into a bank of
resistors.  Your bike has one set of stationary windings that are excited by
a rotating magnet on the flywheel.  This means that the windings receive
maximum excitation and are working at max all the time.  Any energy produced
that is not required by lighting, battery charging etc is disposed of as
heat.

The alternator on your car has two sets of windings, a stationary set in the
alternator body and a rotating set on the shaft.  The rotating set receives
a variable DC voltage at low current from the regulator, exciting the
stationary windings top produce the AC charging curent.  The output can
therefore be adjusted precisely according to the system's requirements at
any time.