Automotive Electrical Systems

1st Level of Study, 2nd Year, Winter Semester

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the fundamental components of the electrical equipment of modern motor vehicles (see the course syllabus), as well as with emerging trends in this field. Students will learn how to read and interpret automotive electrical schematics and gain orientation in their structure. They will become familiar with the operating principles and capabilities of individual vehicle electrical system components. Students will acquire basic knowledge in the field of electromobility and will be able to design and size a simple electric vehicle. The course provides a foundation for subsequent courses in the field of automotive engineering.

1. Standards and regulations related to vehicle electrical systems, electrical symbols of individual components, methods of drawing vehicle electrical schematics, and practical training in reading and navigating electrical diagrams and real vehicles.
2. Distribution of electrical power in a vehicle. Protection of electrical loads. Wiring harnesses and connector systems.
3. Generation of electrical energy in vehicles.
4. Storage of electrical energy in vehicles, batteries and accumulators.
5. Starters, starter-generators, and starter batteries; management of electrical energy generation and consumption in vehicles.
6. Vehicle ignition systems, ignition types, spark plugs, and high-voltage distribution systems.
7. Vehicle lighting systems, light sources, and types of headlamps. Power electronic converters used in vehicles.
8. Actuators used in vehicles: types of electric motors, including servo drives, electromagnets, fuel injectors, sensors, and related devices.
9. Drives for hybrid and electric vehicles and their components (electric motors, traction batteries, power electronic converters, battery management systems).