Vehicle electrical system
Main components
* Battery
* Generator
* Starter
* Voltage regulator
* Engine control unit (ECU)
* Electrical wiring
Functions
* Power supply for vehicle electrical devices (lighting, air conditioning, radio, etc.)
* Starting the engine
* Monitoring engine parameters and operation of transmission and safety systems
* Servicing auxiliary systems such as windshield wipers and power windows
Battery
* Stores electrical energy to start the engine and power systems in the absence of a generator
*Consists of chemical plates immersed in electrolyte
*Voltage is usually 12 volts
Generator
* Converts mechanical energy from the motor into electrical energy
* Charges the battery and powers the vehicle systems
* Works by rotating the rotor in a magnetic field
*Voltage is usually 14 volts
Starter
* Electric motor that runs the car engine
* Consists of an electric motor and gearbox
*Voltage is usually 12 volts
Voltage regulator
* Regulates generator voltage, preventing battery overcharging
* Using diodes and transistors to control the generator output voltage
Engine control unit (ECU)
* The brain of the car, which controls engine parameters
* Collects data from sensors and controls actuators
* Optimizes engine performance for fuel economy and performance
Wiring
* Network of wires connecting various electrical components of the car
* Provides transmission of electricity and data
Peculiarities
* CAN bus: Digital bus system that allows various components to exchange data
*Power windows: Control the windows up and down using an electric drive
* Alarm: A security device that activates sound and light signals in the event of an attempted theft
* Central locking: Remote locking and unlocking of vehicle doors