While developers of economical energy supply systems are developing alternative sources of energy, car manufacturers are expanding the circle of local consumers of electricity. Not so long ago, the list of electrical equipment in a car could be limited to lighting devices and starting equipment, but today, as the capabilities and characteristics of equipment increase, more and more new categories of on-board devices are formed. Obviously, against this background, the organization of electrical equipment of cars is becoming more complicated, in which more advanced mounting accessories are also involved.
Vehicle power sources
The whole complex of electrical equipment in the machine can be divided into two groups - sources and consumers. The first group represents a narrow list of current generation elements, but it is also more responsible. As a rule, batteries are used to ensure the operation of electrical appliances. The standard complex includes from three to six acid elements connected in series. If we talk about the voltage, in most cases the car’s electrical equipment is provided with a load of 12 or 24 V. This makes it possible to connect not only local devices to the cigarette lighter, but also mobile devices like tablets and smartphones with hand-held navigators.
In the battery itself, the connection between the plates is arranged in a parallel configuration. But the general network infrastructure of electrical supply in the cabin is carried out by parallel wiring. This is due to the fact that the tracks are laid in close contact with a metal body, which can be displayed "mass".
The main consumers of electricity in the car
These are the most critical devices on which the performance of a car depends. Such electrical equipment can include an injection system, an engine control module, a gearbox, electric amplifiers, a fuel complex, etc. It is powered by a supply source and an ignition system, which may differ depending on the type of transport equipment. For example, the electrical equipment of cars and tractors differs by sources of energy generation. In the first case, the aforementioned batteries are used, and in the second, magneto.
Heavy automotive equipment is equipped with four- and six-cylinder engines, which provide for the use of candles and wires, the number corresponding to the number of cylinders. Cars also have their own characteristics of the implementation of the ignition system. Ignition of the air-fuel mixture in modern models, for example, can be carried out electronically and in a non-contact manner.
Optical Electrical Equipment
Automotive lighting is one of the most expensive groups of consumers of electricity in terms of energy consumption. Immediately it is worth dividing such devices into internal and external. In the cabin, the main lighting and dashboard lights are usually installed. Separate lighting devices are provided for servicing the engine compartment, luggage compartment, etc. Outside, the optical electrical equipment of cars primarily performs the task of lighting the road and the surrounding space. Such devices include low and high beam headlights, license plate light and spotlights. This also includes a wide group of warning, contour and emergency lights. It includes parking lights, "fog", decorative lights, brake lights, etc.
Instrumentation
Driving a car is impossible without informing the driver about the current state of the operating parameters of individual systems and assemblies. To do this, control and measuring devices, most of which are located on the dashboard. Indications are determined by sensors installed on the nodes of the motor chassis. The main instruments in this category include a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, thermometer, etc. For the convenience of presenting information, on-board computers are used. In particular, data from the measuring electrical equipment of VAZ cars is processed by a trip computer, which is directly connected to the fuel system. This allows you to reflect additional information about the state and fuel reserves. As for the sensors, they differ in principle of operation, depending on the conditions for determining a particular indicator. In the same VAZ vehicles, magneto-induction and magnetoelectric devices are mainly used.
Electronic control systems
Unlike instrumentation, control electronics not only records certain information about the systems and components of the machine, but can also directly participate in the driving process. So, the equipment of a modern car includes devices that improve control ergonomics and safety. For example, stabilization of exchange rate stability minimizes the probability of drifts. On the one hand, it is connected to the on-board computer, and on the other, to the mechanical components of the chassis. Today, more attention is being paid to anti-theft systems. To solve this problem, the telematic electrical equipment of cars is used, through which the owner can control the operation of protective devices over a long distance.
Auxiliary electrical fittings
To connect the equipment to one common on-board network, connection blocks, mounting devices and wireless modules are used. In traditional circuits, conventional wiring with control relays and contactors is used. Through them, the equipment is connected to functional units, dashboard and batteries. For connection, special screws, protective covers and housings that protect the wiring from magnetic interference can also be used. The wireless electrical equipment of the car, which is introduced into the on-board network via radio modules, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi channels, is becoming increasingly popular. Such equipment includes the same telematic alarm systems, parking sensors components and microclimatic sensors. Wireless information is transmitted through the wireless channels, and the power supply is provided by autonomous batteries - compact rechargeable batteries or batteries.
Car electrical equipment repair
Most problems in the electrical infrastructure arise due to improper connection or loss of contacts. The consequence of such problems can be burnout of equipment, oxidation, short circuit, destruction and even fire of devices. At an early stage, a malfunction can be detected by display systems that report through the dashboard the incorrect operation of a particular mechanism. What malfunctions of the electrical equipment of the car can you fix yourself? Usually this relates to the replacement of individual elements of the starter, alternator, spark plugs and engine. If you have the appropriate skills, an ordinary car owner can very well fix violations in the fuel system - for example, adjust the injection mechanism. Much will depend on the nature of the malfunction. Repair of high-tech programmable equipment, in particular, it is recommended to initially entrust specialists.
Electrical Maintenance
As already noted, switching in the electrical system is key to ensure the health of the machine. Therefore, you should regularly check the contacts, the insulation of the wiring, the condition of the fuses and protective devices. Also, in the process of servicing the electrical equipment of the car, attention should be paid to the reliability of the mounting of the cases. Constant vibrations adversely affect the state of the locking mechanisms, so it is advisable to provide damping substrates for devices that are in direct contact with the body.
A special place in preventive measures is diagnostics. To do this, use digital measuring devices that show the operating parameters of the equipment, correct operation and possible violations. In the normal operating mode, the vehicle’s electrical equipment is constantly diagnosed by on-board sensors. Immediately after starting the engine, they begin to control the electrolyte in the battery, generator and the tightness of the fuel system. Some self-diagnosis modes also make alignment of operating parameters without user intervention.
Conclusion
Modern approaches to the installation of on-board equipment in the car open up more and more opportunities for the individual organization of electrical functionality. The user can choose the switching method and technical and operational parameters, according to which the electrical system will work. Cars are also becoming more accessible in terms of the integration of various devices and devices. This also applies to the technical introduction of equipment into the network, and interoperability with standard equipment. But in the desire to design your own electrical system, do not forget about the principles of ergonomics, reliability and safety.