Project - Analysis of a practical automotive wiring circuit

1.Identify each of the major elements in the above automotive wiring diagram.

Answer:

• Battery
• Generator
• Starter
• Ignition coil
• Distributor
• Current and voltage regulator
• Ignition switch
• Breaker
• Ammeter

2.Explain the purpose and working of any three elements briefly.

Answer:

Battery: A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy. The chemical reactions in a battery involve the flow of electrons from one material (electrode) to another, through an external circuit. The flow of electrons provides an electric current that can be used to do work.

Working: A battery works on the oxidation and reduction reaction of an electrolyte with metals. When two dissimilar metallic substances, called electrode, are placed in a diluted electrolyte, oxidation and reduction reaction take place in the electrodes respectively depending upon the electron affinity of the metal of the electrodes. As a result of the oxidation reaction, one electrode gets negatively charged called cathode and due to the reduction reaction, another electrode gets positively charged called anode.

Generator: An alternator is a type of electric generator used in modern automobiles to charge the battery and to power the electrical system when its engine is running.

Working: Electric generators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. A conductor coil (a copper coil tightly wound onto a metal core) is rotated rapidly between the poles of a horseshoe type magnet. The conductor coil along with its core is known as an armature. The armature is connected to a shaft of a mechanical energy source such as a motor and rotated. The mechanical energy required can be provided by engines operating on fuels such as diesel, petrol, natural gas, etc.

Distributor: A distributor is an enclosed rotating shaft used in spark ignition internal combustion engines that have mechanically-timed ignition. The distributor’s main function is to route secondary, or high voltage, current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order, and for the correct amount of time.

3.If the total load is 10A from battery, what should be the fuse rating?

Answer:

If the normal steady-state current is calculated to be 10 amps, then a 15A fuse rating should be selected [10 amps x 135% = 13.5 amps, the next larger standard size is 15A].

4.If 500W is the load, what is the voltage and capacity of battery you recommend?

Answer:

If 500 watt hours is a standard battery size. This equates to 14 amp hours at 36 volts or 10.5 amp hours at 48 volt.

Given: Hint- take battery voltage =12V.

means this equates to 3.5 amp.

5.Identify any two elements which are connected parallel to each other. Why they are connected in parallel?

Answer:

Two elements which are connected parallel to each other are.

scaled beam and dome light switch.

If two or more components are connected in parallel, they have the same difference of potential (voltage) across their ends

6.Identify any two elements which are connected in series. Why they are connected in series?

answer:

two elements which are connected in series are starter and distributor.

In a series connection, the same current physically flow through both elements.