What is charging System?

The automobile charging system is a set of components working to keep a charge and provide electrical
energy for the vehicle electrical devices. Modern vehicles are now designed with many electrical parts
which makes them required a large amount of electrical energy. The charging system powers the
headlights, dashboard indicators light or warning lamps, fuses, relays, engine plugs, brainbox, ECU,
radio, control screen, fuel injector system, sensors etc. All these components are interconnected to the
car battery which is charged by the alternator.

Functions of Charging System

Below are functions of the charging system in automobile engines:

 The primary purpose of the charging system is to provide power to all electrical components in a
vehicle.

 It comprises alternator that maintains and keep the vehicle’s battery charged.

 Charging system supplies electrical current to fire the spark plugs, which ignite the air/fuel
mixture in the combustion chamber,

 Alternators help to charge dead batteries, while the engine is running.

 Charging system help to send the engine mechanical issue to the engines ECU using a sensing
device.

 Vehicles electrical components are powered when the engine is not running.

Car Charging System Components and Functions

In general, the components of the charging system are composed of alternators and regulators.
However, the charging system needs to add some additional components so that the electricity
generated can be supplied to the battery and to all electrical loads safely and precisely. The component,
consisting of;

1. Battery

The function of the battery is as a storage of electrical energy. Like a warehouse, the battery will store all
the electrical energy generated by the alternator and then this stored electricity is removed when
necessary.
2. Fuse and Fusible links

Fuse and fusible links have different functions even though have the same shape. Fusible link can be
called as main fuse which is placed near the battery positive terminal. The function of this fuse is to
protect the entire electrical system of the car from excessive currents. Generally the fusible link has a
capacity of up to more than 60 Ampere.

While the function of the fuse is as a safety of a series of specific electrical wiring, in conventional
charging system there are two fuse with same capacity (it’s about 10-15 Ampere). A fuse is used as a
voltage regulator fuse and another fuse is used to secure the CHG and Voltage relay.

3. CHG Lights

CHG lamp or commonly also called “charging warning light” is an indicator light to indicate the presence
failure of charging system. When the ignition key ON then this light will light up normally, as well as
when the engine life of this lamp should turn on, if it is dead then it could mean the charging system
failure.

4. Ignition key

The ignition key works as a switch. The charging system will be activated automatically when the engine
is running, but to generate a magnetic field on the rotor coil must be done by a switch.

Ignition switch is used as a switch to connect and disconnect power (positive battery currents) from
battery to rotor coil. When the ignition key is ON, then the electricity from the battery to the coil rotor
will be connected. However, when the ignition key is turned OFF then the power supply will be cut off.
So it is not possible the alternator generates electricity when the ignition key is OFF even the engine
crankshaft is rotate.

5. Regulator

The function of the regulator is to regulate the voltage generated by the alternator. Why should it be
there? Because the voltage generated by the alternator depends the engine's RPM. This means that if
the engine RPM is low, the alternator voltage is also low, but if the engine RPM is high then the
alternator voltage is also high.

The regulator will be used to keep the voltage generated by the alternator not exceeding 14 volts even if
the engine runs in high RPM. This voltage setting aims to protect the electrical components of the
vehicle to prevent over-voltage.
There are two types of regulators, namely type or conventional type and type of IC. The point
type/conventional uses two coils to adjust the alternator’s output voltage. While the IC Regulator uses
an IC circuit (Integrated Circuit) to regulate the output voltage.

6. Alternator

The function of the alternator is to convert a partial engine's rotating energy into electricity. The
alternator input comes from the engine pulley connected through a V belt, the rotation of the rotor will
cause the intersection of the magnetic force line with the stator coil so that the electrons flow on the
stator coil.

The electricity in the stator coil is not directly connected to the battery, but it must pass through the
diode bridge to rectify the current. This is done because the current in the stator coil is AC (Alternate
Current).

7. Charging Wires

The function of charging wires are to connect every component of the charging system, there are at
least two types of wires: standard wire and B + wire. The standard wire has a small diameter like the
car's electrical wiring in general, the function of this wire is connecting each terminal on the entire
charging system.

While the B + wire has a larger diameter than the standard wire and almost matches the starter wire.
The function of this wire is to connect the terminal B alternator with Battery.
QUIZ #1

Direction: State the function of each of following part of charging system based on your own
understanding. (5 points each)

Battery
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

Fuse and fusible

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

CHG lights
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

Ignition key
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

Regulator
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

Alternator
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.

Charging wires

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.