Design And Function: Function

Fig 1: Identifying Components Which Require Battery Current

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS CORPORATION

The function of the battery in a car is to supply the car with a stable voltage in all situations. One of the tasks of the battery is to provide a current when starting the engine. Other tasks are to provide a current to components (such as the parking lamps) which require current when the engine is not running (i. e. when the generator (GEN) is not charging). The battery also operates as an energy reserve when the capacity of the generator (GEN) is insufficient and needs to be supplemented.