Apparatus and method for vehicle voltage stabilization

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for vehicle voltage stabilization. A method for achieving voltage stabilization during an engine cranking event of a vehicle includes receiving, at a switchgear module, a valid crank-on signal from a starter solenoid module indicative of initiating an engine cranking event. At the switchgear module, an auxiliary electrical energy storage device (ESD) is electrically coupled to one or more auxiliary loads within a predetermined delay from receipt of a valid start-on signal. The main ESD and starter motor are electrically disconnected from the one or more auxiliary loads only after the auxiliary ESD has been electrically coupled to the one or more auxiliary loads. The main ESD and starter motor are electrically coupled to the one or more auxiliary loads in response to a predetermined condition that occurs when the main ESD and starter motor are electrically disconnected from the one or more auxiliary loads.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application 61 / 810,943, filed April 11, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates to stabilizing voltage applied to a load during an engine cranking event. Background technique [0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information about the present disclosure. Accordingly, such statements are not intended to constitute an admission of prior art. [0005] A vehicle's powertrain system may employ an automatic engine stop strategy to shut off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. For example, when the vehicle stops at a traffic light and the operator of the vehicle depresses the brake pedal, the engine may be automatically stopped and cut off (eg, a fuel cut event). When vehicle motion is required, the engine can be automatically started to provide motion torque to the drive whe...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, a DC-DC boost converter needs to divide the total electrical load supported and is limited to low power loads, eg, loads below about 400 watts

Another disadvantage of the DC-DC converter is that the higher load power leads to accelerated deterioration of the battery voltage and inefficient voltage stabilization during autostart

Furthermore, the use of a DC-DC boost converter on vehicles with higher electrical loads is not cost-effective

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