Project - Analysis of a practical automotive wiring circuit

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

• Battery
• Starter
• Distributor
• Fuse box
• Ignition coil
• Current and voltage regulator
• Generator

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

Battery

the battery is he heart of the automotive electrical system. It provides electrical power to the starter motor, ignition system ,fuel pump and other electrical components when the engine is not running. It also stores the electrical energy generated by the alternator when the engine is running. It is connected to the electrical system by two heavy duty cables : the positive and the negative cable. the positive cable is typically positive and the negative is typically black. The batteries of electric vehcles are usually rechargable. Generaly the Li-Ion battteries are usually used in electric vehicles.

some of the applicatons of batteries are :

• Automotive
• Medical devices
• Miltary
• Portable electronics
• Medical implants
• Security systems
• logistics and constructions

working-

• a battery is a electrical device which stores chemical energy and convert it in to electrical energy.
• with in a battery the chemical reaction involves the movement of electrons from one electrode to another through an external circuit to complete the circuit. 
• The flow of electron generates a electric current that can be used to do work.
• To maintain electron flow equilibrium, charged ions also move through an electrolyte solution that is in contact with both electrodes.
• How the battery works, how much energy it can store and its voltage are depends up on the type of electrodes and electrolytes used in the battery.

Starter

A starter is an electric motor that cranks the engine over to start it. it is one of the most important components in the automotive electrical system.The starter motors are powered by using the battery. The purpose of the starter in the automotive wiring circuit is to provide the power needed to crank the engine over to start it. The starter is used to start the engine in all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles.

working- 

• When the ignition key is turned to the "start" position, the starter solenoid engages, which connects the starter motor to the battery.
• This provides the starter motor with the power it needs to crank the engine over.
• The starter motor is a powerful motor, and it draws a lot of current from the battery. This is why it is important to have a fully charged battery when starting the engine.
• Once the engine starts, the starter solenoid disengages, and the starter motor stops cranking the engine.

Generator

A generator is a device which converts the mechanical energy in to electrical energy.The genertor is also called as dynamo. it is an essential component in the automotive electrical system as it provides the power to run the elecrical accessories and to recharge the batteries.below are some of the applications of generators.

• Automotive electrical system
• power plants
• Ships
• Trains

The generator have two main fuctions in the automotive wiring circuit :

• To provide the power needed to start the engine.
• To run the electrical accessories while the engine is running.

when the engine is not running, the battery provides the power needed to start the engine .once the engine is running the geneator takes over and provides the power needed to run the accessories and charge the battery.

working-

A generator works by using the principle of electromagnetic induction. When a conductor moves through a magnetic field, an electric current is induced in the conductor. In a generator, the conductor is typically a coil of wire. The magnetic field is created by a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

• The generator is driven by the engine.
• As the engine turns, the rotor of the generator spins.
• This causes the coil of wire to move through the magnetic field, which induces an electric current in the coil.
• The current is then collected by brushes and fed to the electrical system.

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

in this scenario 13 A fuse can provide a safety margin of 30 % over the 10 A load . this would help to protect the circuit from a short circuit or overload.

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

current = power / voltage

capacity = run time * load

Load given = 500 W

Time = 24 hours

average voltage = 12 V

capacity = 500 * 24 = 12000 Wh

current = 12000 / 12 = 1000 Ah

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

the battery and the starter are connected in parallel. The voltage of the circuit would remain same, but the current would vary.

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

As per the above diagram the ignition coil and the distributor are connected in series. The series connection is necessary to ensure that the ignition coil have enough voltage to produce spark.