Project - Analysis of a practical automotive wiring circuit

1. The major elements in the above automotive wiring diagram.

• The Battery, the starter, an ignition coil, the breaker, the distributor, the generator, the current and voltage regulator, an ignition switch, an instrumental cluster, the gas tank unit, the fuse, the junction block, an ammeter, the lights (tail lamp, beam lamp, plate lamp, dome lamp, parking lamp, stop lamp), the horn, the horn bottom, light switches, the fuel gauge, the foot selector switch, and the earthing for each circuit.

2. The purpose and working of any three elements briefly.

• The Battery
  • The purpose of the battery is to store energy in the form of chemical energy and supply this stored energy in the form of electrical energy when needed.
  • The purpose of a battery is to provide a portable source of power for a variety of applications, from electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops and to providing power to electric vehicles.
  • The components of the battery are Anode(-) and Cathode(+) electrodes, an electrolyte, and a separator.
  • An Anode is a negative or reducing electrode and a cathode is a positive or oxidizing electrode.
  • An electrolyte is a medium that facilities the transfer of an ion between the anode and the cathode.
  • The conversation of chemical energy to electrical energy is achieved through a chemical reaction that takes place between two electrodes.
  • When a circuit is connected to the electrodes, a flow of electrons is generated, which produces an electric current.
  • In general, batteries consist of one or more cells, each of which contains an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. When the battery is charged, the anode releases electrons, which flow through the circuit and combine with the cathode. When the battery is discharged, the process is reversed, and the cathode releases electrons, which flow back to the anode.
• The Fuse
  • It is a safety device that is designed to discontinue the flow of electrical current when the current exceeds a certain level or when a short circuit occurs.
  • The fuse is working on the principle of heating effect due to the flow of electric current.
  • The working of a fuse involves the use of a small wire that is designed to melt and open the circuit when the current exceeds a safe limit.
  • The fuse is connected in series with the circuit.
  • The fuse is designed to be the weakest wire in the circuit, so that when an overload or short circuit, the fuse wire will melt first, preventing damage to the components.
• The Generator
  • The purpose of a generator is to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
  • The components of the generator are an armature coil, magnet, brushes, commutator, shaft, bearing, and shield.
  • The generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
  • An armature coil rotates in the magnetic field and cuts the magnetic field and produces EMF across the coil. An armature mounting on the shaft is driven by mechanical energy.
  • Brushes are in contact with the coil and transfer current from the coil to the circuit or the load.
  • The commutator has insured the flow of the current in one direction.

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

• When we choose the fuse for the circuit it should be such that it doesn't allow excessive current and protect from a short circuit but it does not blow in normal or unnecessary conditions.
• With a 10A load, the fuse rating should be slightly higher than 10A. The selection of the fuse rating is 125% of the load.
• Hence, the Fuse rating = 10A*1.25 = 12.5A.
• But the fuses come with standard rating and size so the closes rating is 15A.

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

• The given load (P) = 500W, Battery voltage (V) = 12V
• Load (P) = V*I , Putting values and find current (I) = 41.67A
• If we want to calculate battery capacity then need a time in which the battery need to power the load. Assume the time is 1 hour.
• Then the battery capacity is 41.67Ah.
• I recommend the 12V 41.67Ah and 24V 20.33Ah.

5. Two elements that are connected parallel to each other. Why they are connected in parallel?

• Both the tail stop lights and plate lights are connected in parallel to each other. Because if one of them is not working then others are properly working without any issues.

6. Two elements that are connected in series. Why they are connected in series?

• An ignition switch and an ignition coil are connected in series to each other. Because an ignition coil only works when we want to start the engine so current flows from the ignition switch to the ignition coil.