Vehicle electrical system
Automotive electrical equipment produces electrical energy and transmits electrical energy to consumers, which are various systems and devices in the vehicle. This article provides a detailed analysis of the structure and operation of vehicle electrical systems.
Automotive electrical equipment consists of current sources, current consumers, controls and electrical wiring. These elements are a single onboard network.
- A car’s electrical equipment has a low voltage circuit and a high voltage circuit.
- Low voltage circuits power the starting system, lighting and signaling.
- The starting system is used to ensure initial crankshaft cranking and engine operation at start-up. In most cases, the engine is started using an electric starter, a high-speed DC motor with series or mixed excitation that is structurally connected to a gear drive.
- The mission of lighting and signaling is to illuminate the road with instruments, indicate vehicle dimensions, and inform the operation being performed.
- Capabilities of instrumentation and additional devices to monitor the operation and management of automotive systems.
High voltage function in the ignition of the working mixture in the cylinder by the ignition system.
Ignition systems ignite combustible mixtures and are used in vehicles with gasoline engines. It is called a “spark ignition” system because the mixture is ignited after the ignition spark is applied to the cylinder.
The role of the ignition system is therefore to generate a high voltage current, distribute it to the engine cylinders and ignite the working mixture in the combustion chamber at the right time. Modern cars are equipped with contact transport and contactless ignition systems.
Current source in car
Automotive electrical equipment has a source of current handling and a consumer of current. Electrical wiring ensures interconnected operation.
Power sources include batteries and generators.
The generator is the main current source, charging the battery and powering all the equipment while the car is running.
The battery’s function is to provide power to low-circuit consumers when the engine is not running, to start the engine and run at low speeds.
Electrical equipment control
Control devices are fuse box, electronic control box and relay box. It is they who ensure the coordinated operation of the car’s electrical equipment. Modern cars are equipped with control units such as:
- control the consumer.
- control the voltage;
- Adjust load.
- Manage your comfort system.
Energy consumer
There are long-term, short-term and primary energy consumers.
- Key systems include fuel, injection, ignition, engine management, automatic transmission and electric power steering.
- Further energy consumers are cooling, lighting, active and passive he security, heating, air conditioning, navigation, anti-theft and audio systems.
- Short-term consumers include comfort and start systems, horns, glow plugs and cigarette lighters.