Automotive Electrical Research Articles

The Role of Power Electronics in Future 42 V Automotive Electrical Systems

In the future cars will have a 42 V electrical system and operate in the “idle-stop” mode. Both developments present opportunities for innovative power electronic applications. Idle-stop operation requires a supply of electric power to maintain Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) and other ancillary functions when the engine is off, motivating the development of new generation and conversion technology. Electrification of functions such as engine valve operation, transmission clutches and water pumps also present cost, control and reliability challenges. The 42 V architecture is described and some of the resulting opportunities and challenges are discussed.

Real-Time Implementation of Sliding Mode Observer for Synchronous Rectification of the Automotive Electrical Power Supply System

This paper presents the methods for estimating automotive alternator’s back electromotive forces without a direct mechanical sensor of the rotor position. The design approach combines the merits of the sliding mode observer technique with the basics of a conventional observer. It is shown that the back electromotive forces may be observed based on system’s phase current model by sensing only electrical variables of the synchronous rectifier. Experimental results are presented for validation of the proposed observation algorithms. [S0022-0434(00)01404-0]

Properties of High-Frequency Conducted Noise from Automotive Electrical Accessories

This paper describes generation mechanisms and electrical characteristics of high-frequency conducted noise from electrical contacts and accessory drive/control motors, which may cause logic errors in automotive electronic devices. High-frequency conducted noise due to contacts in both horn sounding and lighting circuits results from spark discharge initiated by breakdown across the contacts; and a showering arc which sustains spark discharge for hundreds of microseconds was observed at contacts in lighting circuits. High-frequency conducted noise due to accessory drive/control motors was caused by reactance voltage fluctuations and commutator sparks. To analyze electrical characteristics of high-frequency conducted noise, a measuring system for amplitude distributions in both the time domain and the frequency domain was developed, and an attempt was made to fit a distribution pattern to observed data in each domain. In the time domain, the noise voltages due to contact breaking were distributed between 360 and 530 V. The distribution pattern in the time domain fitted closely to the normal distribution curve, while the pattern in the frequency domain fitted to the lognormal distribution curve.

Aeronautical and Automotive Service Mechanics

Abstract This paper describes the training courses for airplane and automobile mechanics as taught at the Cass Technical High School, Detroit, Mich. They have more than doubled the minimum training requirements for airplane mechanics as set forth by the United States Department of Commerce. The course for airplane-engine mechanics includes specifications of various types and gives shop work in tuning, adjusting, and overhauling engines. The course gives skill in the use of various hand tools and also teaches technical details. Automotive training includes machine fitting, internal-combustion engines, chassis details, automotive electricity, welding and engine testing.

Automotive Electricity Simplified. George A. WilloughbyWood-Finishing. Harry R. Jeffrey

<i>Automotive Electricity Simplified</i>. George A. Willoughby<i>Wood-Finishing</i>. Harry R. Jeffrey

Automotive Electricity: a Text and Reference Work on the Construction, Operation, Characteristics and Maintenance of Automotive Ignition, Starting, Lighting and Storage Battery Equipment

Automotive Electricity: a Text and Reference Work on the Construction, Operation, Characteristics and Maintenance of Automotive Ignition, Starting, Lighting and Storage Battery Equipment