- Battery Provides Electricity to the Ignition System
When you turn on your car’s ignition, whether you do it with a key or by pushing a button, you are telling the battery to begin that chemical reaction we discussed earlier in order to produce enough electrical current for the starter to work.
Battery’s role in this part of the process is to deliver a strong, short burst of power. In turn, the coil produces the high voltage needed to crank the starter, reach the spark plugs via the distributor, and ignite the fuel inside the combustion chambers.
Different types of ignition systems exist, but most road vehicles today have a mechanically timed ignition with multiple parts that complete a circuit. Several processes are happening at the same time, somewhat simultaneously, and it happens very quickly, but it starts with the battery. The simplicity and convenience of modern automobiles can be attributed to a simple battery which acts as a catalyst to a series of fascinating processes and energy exchanges.
- Works With The Alternator to Power Electronics
Those first three functions you may already know, but did you know that your battery works in tandem with the alternator to power your vehicle’s electronic processes?
Yes, the alternator (whose job it is to “alternate” the current and transform mechanical energy into electrical energy) keeps your radio, air conditioning, USB and auxiliary-connected devices, and lights running. In the event that the alternator becomes overwhelmed, the battery must provide reliable backup. Battery boosts the power flow when the alternator is overloaded by too many processes.
The alternator is essentially a generator. In order for the starter to start the engine, it needs a burst of energy from the battery. Nevertheless, the alternator keeps the electronics running and charges the battery. The alternator actively charges a car battery, so it is unlikely to go dead while the vehicle is being driven. (Although if you ever have a dead battery, Mach1 Services is here to help!)
If you are visual, you may want to understand exactly what happens under the hood of your car to get this generator (alternator) going. The alternator has a wheel that gets turned once the engine starts. An engine spins a set of wheels, which spin the alternator’s wheel.
An alternator maintains the flow of energy through your engine and vehicle with its stator, rotor, diodes, voltage regulator, and cooling fan while your car is running.
- The battery helps regulate voltage
Power surges can damage electronics, as is well known. Well, your battery prevents sudden spikes in power from damaging your car’s internal computer and ignition system. A car’s battery, along with various fuses and circuit protectors, can help regulate the power going to the electrical systems. Alternators use voltage regulators that convert electrical current into a form that will not damage the car’s electronics. The purpose of this voltage regulator is to maintain a consistent amount of voltage in the circuit. Depending on the vehicle’s needs, it can signal the alternator to produce more or less power. Any excess power charges the battery. Having a battery to rely on as a backup for the alternator is what protects your car’s systems. The resulting voltage surge would probably damage your vehicle if you disconnected the alternator suddenly from the battery. The completed circuit, with the battery installed, ensures a slower, more regulated change in power levels if the alternator fails and the battery takes over.