Above is a schematic of an alternator/generator. I understand the rectification going to B+, but I don't understand why there are 3 diodes going to D+.
The way I understand the setup, D+ measures the voltage at the battery, and the delta between that and the preset voltage in the regulator drives the field to increase/decrease the output of the generator. I know why you need the diodes to charge the batteries, but why would you put the rectified current on the D+ sensor line? Seems like that would defeat the purpose of the sensor.
Maybe I'm completely misreading the diagram, if so, please point out my error.