3 Functions of car's charging system
The charging system is a vehicle's system that functions to charge the battery and became an electric current supplier to the entire electrical system when the engine is running. All-electric systems in a car require electricity to work optimally, and the charging system provides all the electric current demands.
The charging system has many components: fuse, switch, regulator (cut-out), cables (harness), battery, alternator, engine. However, the charging system has three main components that influence the entire charging system in a vehicle. The three main components of the charging system and their functions are as follows:
- Battery. The battery's function is a component that functions as a storage for the electric current generated by the alternator when the engine is running.
- Alternator. The alternator function is a component that produces an electric current which is used to be stored in the battery and used during the peak load operation.
- Engine. The engine's function is to rotate the alternator (using a v-belt) so that the alternator can generate electric current.
Each component has a different role and function; for example, the alternator functions to generate electric current and voltage for all electrical components in a car, including charging the battery.
The following is an overview of the charging system workflow that takes place on a vehicle:
- The electric current stored by the battery is used to several electrical components and rotates the engine's motor starter.
- After the engine starts and runs, the alternator works and can generate an electric current which is used to be stored in the battery and partly used to meet the needs of electric current in the vehicle, especially during peak load operations such as lights, tape, radio, AC, EFI system, and others.
- As long as the vehicle's engine is running, the battery charging process continues.
- When the engine is off, all the electricity needs depend only on the battery.
So what is the function of the charging system in this vehicle? Here are three functions of the charging system in vehicles, primarily cars.
1. To supply electric current when the engine starts
The charging system's first function is to supply large amounts of electric current when the engine starts. As previously explained, the battery can store the electric current generated by the alternator when the engine is running.
When the engine does not work (turns off), all electricity needs are supplied by the battery. The electric current stored in this battery can start the engine by activating the motor starter component. The motor starter component requires a very large amount of electric current when used to rotate the engine.
Some of the electric currents use to activate the EFI system, including the engine computer and its sensors. After the engine starts and runs, the battery will charge to store the alternator's electric currents.
2. To provide electric current during engine running and peak loads
The second function of the charging system is to provide electric current during engine running and peak loads. When operating a regular engine with standard electric current requirements, this role will carry out only by the alternator, which functions as a power generator. The alternator will supply all the electric current needed to the vehicle while the engine is running.
When the engine electrical operation is entering the peak load condition, which is where all the electrical components in the car are turned ON (for example at night when all the lights are turned on, and the car AC system is working), the alternator and the battery together provide the electric current for all electrical components in the vehicle.
Also read:3. Charge the battery
The function of the third charging system is to charge and store the electric charge in the battery. Yes, the battery is used in the charging system to store the current and electric charge generated by the alternator (electric generator) while the engine is running.
So, as long as the engine is running and rotating, the alternator will work to supply electric current to all electrical components in the car and charge the electric charge into the battery.
So as long as the engine alternator is working, the battery will get a supply of electric current from the alternator which will be stored into the battery and used when the alternator is not working.
For example, when the engine is off, the alternator cannot provide an electric current. Therefore the battery will replace the alternator's role as a source of electric current in the vehicle so that the supply of electric current remains available even though the alternator (electric generator) is not working.