Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
INTRODUCTION TO VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
INTRODUCTION TO VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Grade code: 3.1.2.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.2.LI.2
Theme: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: INTRODUCTION TO VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Imagine you are travelling in a tro-tro from Accra to Kumasi at night. Suddenly, the headlights go off. Or, imagine your parent's car won't start one morning before work. These common problems are almost always related to the vehicle's electrical systems. Understanding these systems is not just for mechanics ('fitters'); it is essential for every driver and passenger for safety, proper maintenance, and saving money.
A vehicle's electrical system is like the nervous system of the human body. It powers everything from starting the engine to playing the radio. We will focus on four main sub-systems. A. The Charging System
The charging system's job is to keep the battery charged and provide electricity to all the other systems when the engine is running. Think of it like this: the battery is like a power bank (it stores energy), but the charging system is like the VRA/ECG grid connection that recharges the power bank and powers your house at the same time.
Main Components: The Battery: Function: An electrochemical device that stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy. Its primary job is to provide the large burst of electricity needed to start the engine. It also provides power to the lights and other accessories when the engine is off. Ghanaian Context: You will often see drivers needing a "jump start" when their battery is flat or "weak." This means their battery doesn't have enough stored energy to turn the engine over. The Alternator (or Dynamo in very old cars): Function: This is the vehicle's own power plant. When the engine is running, a belt connected to the engine spins the alternator. The alternator then generates Alternating Current (AC) electricity, which is converted to Direct Current (DC) to recharge the battery and power all the electrical components. Analogy: The alternator is like a small generator ('gen-set') that is powered by the car's engine. The Voltage Regulator: Function: This is the 'brain' of the charging system. It monitors the battery's charge level and controls the output of the alternator. It prevents the alternator from overcharging the battery, which could damage it. How it works: When the battery is fully charged, the regulator reduces the alternator's output. When the battery level drops (e.g., after using headlights with the engine off), it tells the alternator to produce more electricity.
Process Summary: Engine Starts (using Battery power) -> Engine runs and spins the Alternator via a belt -> Alternator generates electricity -> Voltage Regulator directs this electricity to EITHER recharge the battery OR power the vehicle's systems (or both) -> This cycle continues as long as the engine is on. B. The Lighting System