A voltage regulator controls generator output by which method?

A voltage regulator plays a crucial role in maintaining the correct output voltage of a generator by managing the current flowing to the generator's field coil. The field coil is responsible for creating the magnetic field necessary for generating electricity. By varying the current supplied to the field coil, the voltage regulator can adjust the strength of the magnetic field, which in turn alters the amount of electrical power produced by the generator.

When the load on the generator changes or if there is an overload condition, the voltage regulator constantly monitors the system. If the voltage drops below a specified level due to increased load, the regulator can increase the current to the field coil, thereby boosting the output voltage. Conversely, if the voltage is too high, it can reduce the current to the field coil, lowering the output voltage back to the desired level. This dynamic adjustment helps ensure stable and reliable generator performance under varying conditions.

This method of controlling output is vital for protecting both the generator and the connected circuits from damage due to voltage fluctuations, ensuring smooth operation of the electrical system in the aircraft. The other choices describe methods that are either not effective or not utilized in standard voltage regulation practices within aircraft electrical systems, which reinforces that the correct answer is the method of varying current flow to the generator's field