Electrical system in a vehicle

In automobiles, especially the modern ones, varieties of parts are electronics and operates electrically. Well, charging
systems are the basic electrical system in a vehicle which include an alternator, battery, and voltage regulator. These
components are a source of power to other electrical components in the vehicle. Although voltage regulators are included
in the alternator which serves as energy converters. There are tons of electrical components that rely on the electrical
system of the vehicle.

Definition of vehicle electrical system

Car electrical systems are electrically controlled devices in a vehicle, they receive energy from the battery and return it
back to the battery through the hearth. The charging system comprises of alternator and battery. This battery is used to
power the starter motor helps the engine to start running while the alternator is used to charge the battery and other
electrical components in the vehicle.
Apart from this charging, some automotive vehicles are designed with magneto ignition which generates power that
powers a spark plug in the combustion chambers. It’s also used to power some electrical components, which help to save
the battery power. Although some ignition system depends on the battery’s power.
All electrical circuits in vehicles are opened and closed either by switches or relays and fuse are used to prevent them from
overloads.

Working principle
The working of a car electrical system is less complex and can be easily understood. All electrical devices in a vehicle are
designed with switches or relay system, with the major source of energy (battery) they all receive power. So, immediately
is the engine is starting the starter motor, which is an electrical device that receives power from the battery. The
combustion process keeps the engine running and the alternator is used to charge the battery. This alternator’s voltage is
less than the battery voltage when the engine is not running. This is because the current from the battery is used to power
the vehicle loads and not the alternator. Alternators are designed with diodes that prevent current from flowing into it.
In a situation where the engine is running, the alternator’s current output is greater than the battery voltage. The current
flow from the alternator to the electrical load in the vehicle and the battery to charge it up. Conventionally, an alternator’s
output voltage is above the battery voltage when the engine is working.

Applications
The primary use of the electrical system is to power all electrical and electronic devices in a vehicle. starting from the
electrical motor, sensors, gauges, heating element, headlights, brake and trafficator lights, radio, television, air
conditioning system, blowers, interior lights, refrigerator system, ignition system, etc. all these components receive power
from a battery and the battery is charged by the alternator.
Note, when the engine is running all electrical devices are power with the alternator regulator’s power. This is because
the alternator output is greater than the battery current when the engine is running.

Functions
Below are the functions of the vehicle electrical system:
• The primary function of a vehicle electrical system is to generate, store, and supply electrical current to the various
electrical devices in a car.
• It operates all electrical parts/components of a vehicle.
• Again, the vehicle electrical systems help to keep devices in good working condition as they can achieve some
features.
Getting to know the electrical system
Which electrical component is the primary power source for a vehicle when it’s running?
Starter motor
Battery
Alternator
Engine

If you chose alternator (C), you’re correct. The alternator is an essential part of the electrical system that provides power
to a running vehicle. Without it, and other essential elements like the starter and battery, your vehicle wouldn’t turn on,
and many components wouldn’t operate correctly. Learn more about how a truck’s electrical system operates and get tips
for preventing breakdowns.

Main components of the electrical system

The electrical system is primarily composed of the starter motor, battery and alternator. These three parts are responsible
for starting the engine, keeping it running and powering all electrical components like the radio, lighting, windows, locks,
windshield wipers, air conditioning and more. The information below can help you understand the function of each.

Magneto
A magneto ignition system or high-tension magneto is an ignition system that uses magneto to create high voltage for the
generation of electricity. The electricity generated is further used to run vehicles and other electrical components in the
system. The magneto is a combination of a distributor and generator built as one unit, making it different from the
conventional distributor that creates spark energy without external voltage. There is a series of rotating magnets that
break an electrical field, causing an electrical current in the coil’s primary windings. The current charge will then multiply
when it transfers to the coil’s secondary windings. This is because there are many more times the number of windings in
the secondary circuit compared with the one in the primary circuit, which then causes the multiplied charge magneto to
produce a spark at a higher voltage than was created in the primary windings.

Alternator:
An alternator is one of the major and inevitable parts of a vehicle charging system as it plays the best role. The electrical
power that charges the battery is from the alternator, but the current produced is alternating current (AC). This AC power
is immediately converted to direct current (DC) because automobiles use a 12-volt DC electrical system. A dead battery
does not mean there is something wrong with it. it just that being deprive of charge, this is why alternator is also checked
if a car is not starting.
As mentioned, the alternator is the primary power source for the entire vehicle when it’s running. It converts the
mechanical energy from the starter back into electrical energy to simultaneously power electrical accessories and charge
the battery. When the engine is running, the alternator is what keeps the vehicle from shutting off.

Indicators of a faulty alternator

Signs of a defective alternator include:
Unusual grinding noise under the hood
A dead battery
Loss of power in the engine
Dim or flickering lights
How to maintain vehicle electrical systems
Over time, factors like vehicle age, mileage and daily driving conditions can affect your electrical system and keep it from
starting or operating normally. By implementing regular maintenance, you’re more likely to find and fix potential problems
before they turn into major issues. Use the tips below to maintain the electrical system:
Inspect and clean the battery cables
Check for loose plugs and wires
Make sure all lights are off when vehicle isn’t running

Voltage Regulator:
The voltage regulator controls the alternator’s power output. Though this device is often located in the alternator, as it
regulates the charging voltage that the alternator produces. It keeps the voltage between 13.5 and 14.5 volts to protect
the electrical parts in the vehicle. in modern vehicles that use ECU to sense when the battery needs to be charged as
controls the volt supplied. The warning lamp in the dashboard indicates something is wrong with the charging system.
Often time the warning lamp is indicating a faulty alternator, resulting in an uncharged battery.

Starter motor
The starter motor, also referred to as the cranking motor, converts electrical energy into mechanical energy via the starter
relay and starter solenoid. It then provides electricity to the pinion gear and flywheel, which turn the engine over to start
the vehicle. Here’s how it works:
The key is inserted into the ignition, and the battery sends a low-voltage electrical current to the starter relay
The starter relay energizes the starter solenoid, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy
The mechanical energy engages the pinion gear toward the flywheel
The pinion and flywheel mesh together to turn the engine over
The engine starts, and the starter disengages

Indicators of a faulty starter

The starter motor may be experiencing problems if:
It doesn’t activate instantly when the key is inserted into the ignition
There’s a clicking or whining sound when turning the key
Smoke rises from the starter or starter circuit

Battery
The battery is considered the most important electrical component because it allows the vehicle to start. This device also
stores energy when the engine is off, which allows drivers to connect an inverter and power items such as radios,
televisions and microwaves even when the truck is powered down — a beneficial function for long-haul drivers.

Indicators of a faulty battery

There’s likely a problem with the battery if:
The engine is slow to crank or won’t start
The battery light comes on
There’s a strong sulfur smell
The battery chemicals are leaking
Alternator

SEE IT IN ACTION
So you turn the key and your vehicle’s electrical system goes into action. The battery provides juice to the starter, the
starter turns and the alternator gives the battery the energy it needs to power your lights, defroster, wipers and
accessories. See how it works: