Where Does the Power for the Car's Central Control Come From?
2 Answers
There are two power sources in a car: one is the battery, which can store a certain amount of electrical energy and provides all the power before the engine starts. The other is the generator, which is the main power source of the car. When the engine is running normally, all the electrical energy in the car is provided by the generator, and any excess electrical energy is stored in the battery. The following is a detailed introduction to the battery: 1. Introduction One: The battery in a car is an auxiliary power source, and most of them are lead-acid batteries. It is a low-voltage DC reversible power source that allows the conversion between chemical energy and electrical energy. Its basic structure consists of plates, electrolyte, separators, and casing. The plates are divided into positive and negative plates, with lead dioxide coated on the positive plate and sponge-like pure metallic lead coated on the negative plate. The electrolyte is a sulfuric acid aqueous solution with a concentration of about 36%. 2. Introduction Two: Based on the type of plates and the structure of the separators, batteries can be roughly divided into ordinary batteries, maintenance-free batteries, dry-charged batteries, and gel batteries. The most commonly used type in cars today is the maintenance-free battery. 3. Introduction Three: For models with automatic start-stop functionality, the battery is specially designed. The separators are made of glass fiber, and the electrolyte is adsorbed onto the separators. This type of battery has faster charging and discharging speeds and allows for multiple charge-discharge cycles. If damaged, it cannot be replaced with an ordinary battery.
From a technical perspective, the electrical power for a car's central control system primarily relies on two key components: When the engine is running, the alternator operates at high speed, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy; if the vehicle is parked or the engine is off, the battery supplies the power. The central control system, including components like the air conditioning and screens, is connected through the vehicle's electrical wiring. I've seen cases where the alternator fails—the battery then works hard but can't sustain power for long, causing the screens to dim. Thus, the electrical system is designed as an integrated circuit to ensure the central control always has power. For maintenance, I recommend regularly checking the alternator's output voltage to prevent it from being too high or too low. Additionally, battery health is crucial—avoid leaving power-consuming devices on for extended periods when parked to prevent accidental drainage. Hybrid vehicles have an additional power battery to supply the central control, whereas conventional gasoline cars rely entirely on this system's cycle.
