Abstract
Keywords:
Ground system, equivalent resistor model
Abstract
The number and dependence of electrical and electronic devices in automobiles has been increasing rapidly in recent past. This leads to increase in current which affects the ground systems of the automobile. The current flow causes ground voltage generated because of I-R voltage drops which also affects the performance of the devices. In this paper we have analyzed the ground system of a car for different conditions of engine rpm, torque conditions, temperature and battery conditions. The ground system consists of ground voltage and currents which have been measured under different conditions. Finally, we have analyzed the pattern of ground voltages and currents and explain the causes for these patterns. It was found that the ground voltages are dependant on the engine speed. This is mainly because the alternator output current capacity depends on the engine speed. The ground voltage is almost independent of torque conditions, temperature and battery conditions.