TM 10-3930-669-20 c. Power  Storage  and  Generating.    The  forklift's  12-volt  batteries  (1)  have  the  capability  of  storing  electrical power.  The batteries can power all of the systems for a limited time while the engine is not running, but their primary purpose is to supply voltage to the engine's starting system.  Once the engine is running, the generating system provides the electrical power for all systems.  The engine-driven alternator (2) generates alternating current (AC) which is passed through a set of rectifiers that change it into direct current (DC).  This direct current is used to charge the batteries (1) and is distributed to the other systems of the forklift. 1-13