THE CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM OF ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION IN AUTOMOBILES

An electrical distribution system groups electric generators, electrical  loads, their interconnection elements, and the management and protection systems of this interconnection.

This system has the primary responsibility to generate electrical energy from the mechanical energy coming from the rotational shaft of the explosion motor. Second, it has the responsibility to distribute this energy to those loads that demand it and to store the rest. As Figure 1.1 shows, three main subsystems can be identified in a conventional distribution system of any car.

1.3.1 BATTERY AND ITS CHARGING SYSTEM

The battery is an electrical storage device whose function is to store the energy, usually thanks to an  electrochemical process, that is generated by the generator device and is not consumed by the loads. Moreover, it allows the supply of the loads even when the motor is stopped and provides the peak of energy demanded when the motor starts. The charging system, usually composed by an alternator, a rectifier, and a voltage regulator, keeps the optimal level of charge of the battery to supply the loads.

1.3.2 MOTOR STARTER SYSTEM

Nowadays a small DC motor, with less than 3 kW of power, forces the crank of the explosion motor until the appearance of ignition of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. The ignition usually appears after a few seconds, and during the first hundreds of milliseconds the consumed current can exceed 500 A.

1.3.3 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Today automobiles have a very complex management system. One part has the responsibility of the interconnection and the protection of the loads: body electrical systems, lighting systems, in-car entertainment, and so on. Another part controls and defines the optimal parameters for a correct behavior of the motor. Finally, the chassis control system looks after the brake management, the suspension, and, in general, the active security systems of the automobile.

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Handbook of Automotive Power Electronics and Motor Drives

Edited by

Ali Emadi

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Boca Raton

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Mercedes Benz - the luxury brand

Brands sends different messages to consumers and when I think of luxury car brands, among the first images to come to mind is the three-pointed star Mercedes-Benz logo. It is one of the most recognizable and timeless logos. The German car brands have built up a reputation for good engineering, quality, design and service quality. However, unlike BMW, VW or Audi, most consumers automatically associate Mercedes Benz with prestige and luxury.

However, when people think of safety, Volvo is the brand listed on top. While the Japanese brands are listed high for Quality and BMW comes on top for performance (according to The Consumer Reports National Research Center). The only This is really interesting because Mercedes Benz does make high performance and sporty models (for example, the SLK range) and are also among the safest cars around (according to Euro NCAP results). Despite this, Mercedes-Benz remains as one of the top most desired brands among customers around the globe.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Sport-Paket AMG (R 172)

Despite the perception the Mercedes-Benz cars are expensive, you will be surprised to learn that you can actually get used models at really affordable prices. However, maintenance can be an issue as spare parts can be expensive. As always I only recommend that you use the genuine parts recommended by the manufacturer. It can also prove to be quite hard to find parts for older models. You may need to find a reputable spare parts dealer.

If you live in the US and are looking for Mercedes Benz Parts, I recommend that you check out German Star's Mercedes Parts Catalog. With 25 years experience in the Mercedes Benz parts business, they have and extensive inventory with parts parts listed by chassis or engine type.

Even if the parts you seek are not listed, you can contact them via email or on their site using their Online Quote Form. You can also drop a line in their Discussion Forum where one of their staff will respond promptly.

If you are not really sure about your chassis type. the site has a Mercedes Model Info form for quick reference.

I was quite impressed when I read that orders are shipped via UPS or FedEx and received within 2 to 3 days. There is not much information on the site but they also serve international customers.

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