Project - Analysis of a practical automotive wiring circuit

1.

Significant elements in the above automotive wiring diagram include

• Battery
• Generator
• Starter
• Breaker
• Ignition Coil
• Junction Block
• Distributor
• Foot Selector Switch
• Ammeter
• Fuel Gauge
• Current and Voltage Regulator
• Fuse
• Light Switch
• Gas Tank Unit
• Ground
• Other Accessories (Horn, Tail Lights, Parking Lights, Plate Light, Dome Light, Scaled Beam, Switch, etc.)

2.

• Battery

Purpose

Battery is combination of cells which stores energy in the form of chemical energy and delivers in the form of electrical energy. It delivers direct current. The chemical reaction occurring in cells of a battery results the flow of current in circuit. In Electric vehicle we uses the secondary battery which is rechargable.

Working

Battery consists of anode, cathode and electrolyte. Anode is a negative or reducing electrode that releases electrons to external circuit. Cathode is a positive or oxidising electrode that collects electrons from the external circuit. Electrolyte is a medium that facilitates the transfer of electrons between anode and cathode. The anode and cathode are connected with a conductor typically a conducting wire forms a closed circuit between these electrodes. As the result of chemical reaction in battery, the flow of electrons through anode and cathode which results current flow through the load connected to the terminals of cathode and anode.

• Fuse

Purpose

Fuse is a safety device that protects electric componets from short circuit, overloading and other hazards and reduce the damage from it.

Working

Fuse is consist of a thin wire of alloy with a specific melting point. Usually the current passes through it and it leads to temperature with the limit of melting point of wire. When overload happens it results a huge temperature rise that exceeds the melting point of wire causes the melting of wire and open the electric circuit and shut down current flow. That way, the other electrical componets saved from overload.

• Generator

Purpose

It a device that uses the mechanical motion to generate electrical energy and stores it in batteries. In other words, It is a device that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Working

It works based on electromagnetic induction. According to Faraday's law, A current carrying conductor placed in a varing magnetic field result in generation of EMf. In generator, the conductor in a magnetic field is connected to mechanical shaft and the rotation of shaft leads to the rotation conducter in a magnetic field and it results a generation of emf in the conductor.

3.

Given,

Current, I = 10A

Voltage, V = 12V

Power, P = VI

= 10*12

= 120Watt

Fuse Rating = Power/Voltage

= 120/12

= 10Amps

Since the Actual fuse rating should be 25% more than the theoretical value,

Actual Fuse Rating = 10+(10*25/100)

= 12.5Amps

4.

Given,

Power, P = 500W

Voltage, V = 12V

Current, I = P/V

= 500/12

= 41.66A

The capacity of battery = Current * Time

= 41.66*1

= 41.66Ahr

5.

Elements that are connected parallel to each other are

• Horn
• Lights including Tail Lights, Parking Lights, Plate Lights, Dome Light, Scaled Beam

The horns and lights in the automotive wiring system are connected in parallel because they need a constant voltage for the working. Also, the parallel connection helps to create one closed circuit for each component. If there is any damage or break to one component and creates an open circuit, it doesn't affect other working components. The current will flow through other circuits. So if one light or horn breaks down, other components will also work because of the parallel connection.

6.

Elements that are connected series are

• Fuse
• Ammeter
• Battery and Starter

Battery and starter are connected in series because of starter need constant current for the proper working. The series connection of battery improve its energy efficiency. The ammeter is a device used to measure the current and for measuring, a constant current flows through it. So by connecting series with battery it gets an constant current supply. Fuse should be connected in series with battery because if any hazards occur the trip of fuse leads to open all circuits connected and protect other devices.