Charging Circuit Requirements

A charging system must meet the following criteria while the engine is still running:

- Supply the current demands made up by all loads

- Supply whatever charge current the battery demands

- Operate at idle speed

- Supply constant voltage under all conditions

- Have an efficient power to weight ratio

- Be reliable, quiet, and have resistance to contamination

- Require low maintenance

- Provide an indication of correct operation

Researching Charging Circuits

A charging system performs several functions. These include:

1. It recharges the battery after engine cranking or after the use of electrical accessories with the engine turned off.

2. It supplies all of the vehicles electricity when the engine is running.

3. It must alter its output to meet varying electrical loads.

4. It provides a voltage output slightly higher than battery voltage.

Components:

1. Generator- Utilizes kinetic energy to generate electricity.

2. Voltage regulator- An electrical device which is used to control the current and output voltage of a generator.

3. Charge Indicator- A warning lamp, ammeter or voltmeter to inform the driver of the charging system condition.

4. Wiring Harness- Charging system wiring that connects system components.

5. Battery- Provides current

Final Contract Signed

We met with our lecturers today to present our final contract for approval. We have been working towards this moment for quite sometime now, and we began to realise that any rejection would be a step backwards for us. It would also mean that we would fall behind schedule, which would make it a more difficult task for us to meet our deadlines. 

Luckily, we were met with positive feedback and our project contract was finally approved. This meant that we were now able to progress to the next stages of our project and begin the time consuming task of in-depth research of our topic.