Overview of the electrical system on cars that drivers need to know
The car's electrical system is very important, likened to the "nerve system" because it supplies power to more than 80% of the systems and equipment on the car.
Structure of car electrical system
Generator
The generator helps generate electricity to supply the battery and the entire electrical system and equipment on the vehicle. The generator has 3 main tasks: generating electricity, converting alternating current into direct current, and adjusting the output voltage. Corresponding to these tasks, the generator also has 3 main parts: generating electricity, rectifying and regulating voltage.
The operation of the car generator is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The generator is driven by the engine crankshaft. When the engine is running, the rotating crankshaft will drive the electromagnet in the generator to rotate. This creates a magnetic field that acts on the stator coil inside the stator, generating an electric current.
Battery
The car battery has the task of storing power from the generator and supplying it back to help the car start as well as maintain the operation of electrical equipment when the car is not running and the generator is not operating. In addition, the battery also supports power supply for some devices in case of using current exceeding the generator's rated current.
Under ideal conditions, the lifespan of most car batteries is around 100,000 km or 4-5 years. However, in actual use, the lifespan of a battery is usually around 2-4 years depending on vehicle usage habits, maintenance regime, temperature, etc.
Users should note to check, maintain and replace batteries periodically.
Starter
The starter (also known as the starter motor, starter unit or starter) has the task of rotating the engine crankshaft to start the car engine. Because for the engine to start, the crankshaft must rotate to a certain speed.
The structure of the car starter consists of a DC motor. When the driver turns on the car key/presses the start button, the battery will supply power, the motor will operate to rotate the engine crankshaft. Normally, to start the car engine, the crankshaft must rotate from 40 - 60 rpm for gasoline engines, 80 - 100 rpm for diesel engines.
Wire
Wires help connect and transmit electricity from the generator or battery to the entire electrical system of the car. For each system, electrical device, the wire will have different colors and symbols for easy distinction when checking or repairing.
Relay and fuse
Relay is a type of switch that automatically switches on and off the control circuit, controlling the operation of the power circuit. The fuse is responsible for automatically switching on and off the current on the wiring system when an overcurrent occurs. Both of these devices are intended to protect the safety of the car's electrical system.
Manufacturers often arrange the relay and fuse together in a cluster in the fuse box. Most cars have two fuse boxes. One is the engine fuse box, located under the hood, near the car battery. The other is the body fuse box, located under the dashboard, in the interior compartment.
How the electrical system in a car works
The electrical system in a car works the same way for all car models.
First, when the user operates the key to start the engine, the starter will use electricity from the auxiliary battery to start the engine.
The ignition system is controlled by a central controller, using electrical energy from the battery to create an electric spark.
The mixture of air and fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber through an electric spark to generate power and start the engine.
After starting, the battery will be recharged by the generator and stored energy, at the same time the electrical systems on the vehicle will be supplied with electricity to operate.
The most basic electrical and electronic systems on cars
Starting system
The starting system on a car, also known as the starter, plays an important role in helping the car's internal combustion engine start working. Because the internal combustion engine cannot start by itself, it needs a system that creates an external force to start it. This system operates on the principle of converting chemical energy stored in the battery into electrical energy and then into mechanical energy through the electric motor to rotate the engine crankshaft.
Charging system
The car's charging system has the function of supplying electricity to electrical devices when the engine is running or when the engine is not running. There are many electrical devices on the car, including safety devices or utility systems on the car. Therefore, the car's charging system is always active and maintains voltage to ensure the supply of electricity to the car.
The structure of the charging system usually includes a generator, voltage regulator, battery, electric lock, control system and charging indicator light.
Lighting and signal systems
Lighting and signal lights are essential for vehicles traveling long distances and at night. The lighting system needs to operate in good condition to ensure the concentration and safety of the driver as well as signal other vehicles, including turn signals, reverse warning lights, headlights...
This system is located in the front, body, rear of the car and in the cabin. The signal light modes may vary depending on the car manufacturer but must follow certain rules so that other drivers can observe and understand. The cars are integrated with modern lighting technology to help the owner easily drive in bad weather such as fog, fine dust.
Air conditioning control system
In addition to its main function of regulating the air temperature inside the car, the air conditioning control system also helps circulate the air inside the car. The air conditioning system also has the function of drying the glass and preventing fogging in cold weather when the temperature inside the car is higher than the outside temperature.
Air conditioner classification by control method:
Automatic air conditioning
Manual air conditioner
Electronically controlled braking system
Electronically controlled braking systems are used to increase the braking efficiency of the vehicle.
The components of the brake control system include: electronic handbrake controller, electronic handbrake actuator, handbrake switch, indicator light. In addition, the electronic brake system also needs other supporting components including: ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) controller, brake pedal sensor, clutch pedal sensor, AUTO HOLD switch.
Electronic steering system
The electronic steering system is also known as the electric power steering system, abbreviated as EPS (Electric Power Steering). Through the motor, the electronic steering system is used to supplement the steering force through the steering actuator. The EPS electric power steering system helps to make steering lighter, simpler and smoother when steering, moving at low speeds and ensures safety and stability when steering at high speeds.
Engine immobilizer and anti-theft system
To ensure safety and convenience on the car, the engine immobilizer system is equipped on the car. By identifying the key with the registered ID code that matches the identification code recorded on the car. The system will not allow the car to start when the ID code of the key does not match the identification code.
Hybrid vehicle control system (gasoline electric hybrid)
Hybrid vehicle control systems are used on vehicles that use two parallel energy sources from fossil fuel engines (gasoline, diesel, gas, etc.) and electric motors.
When the vehicle is operating at low speed or light load mode, the electric motor will operate to drive the wheels through electrical energy from the Hybrid high-voltage battery. When the vehicle needs more kinetic energy or high load mode, the internal combustion engine using fossil fuel will operate to supplement the vehicle's capacity, ensuring operation according to the driver's requirements.
Global Positioning System GPS
Currently, the GPS global positioning system has been equipped in many car brands and models. Through smart devices, waves, and satellite signals; GPS (Global Positioning System) will accurately determine the travel route, location, and speed of the car. The system helps many car owners find their cars when they are stolen, and can feel more secure when tracking on the phone.
The car's electrical system is one of the essential parts for the vehicle's operation. When a problem occurs, the vehicle owner needs to quickly check and find the cause of the failure.
