Electrically start drive system with double electrical voltage of a thermal engine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive unit (1) equipped with a heat engine (10) and an electric starter (20) configured to start said heat engine (10), said drive unit (1) having a primary electrical power source (25). Said drive unit (1) includes a secondary electrical power source (40), said drive unit (1) comprising a connector (50), said connector (50) electrically connecting in series said primary electrical power source (25) and said secondary electrical power source (40) and said electric starter (20) during a starting phase (PHASD). Abbreviated figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electrically starting drive system with double electrical voltage of a heat engine

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically starting drive system with electrical voltage doubling of a heat engine, as well as a vehicle comprising such a system.

[0002] The invention lies in the technical field of electrical starting systems for thermal engines, particularly aircraft engines.

[0003] A vehicle may include at least one internal combustion engine that drives one or more components causing the vehicle to move. The term "internal combustion engine" refers to an engine that uses the combustion of a fuel, such as an engine comprising at least one piston or a turbocharger, for example.

[0004] A heat engine can be started by setting in motion a subset of that heat engine using an electric starter. The electric starter can be a simple electric motor or a generator / starter capable of operating in electric motor mode as well as in electric generator mode.

[0005] For example, a rotorcraft may include a turboshaft engine setting in motion a power transmission chain, the power transmission chain driving in rotation a rotating wing.

[0006] An electric starter can then be activated to set in motion a rotating shaft of a gas generator of the turboshaft engine. Alternatively, a starter can set in motion a shaft of an auxiliary turbine, known by the acronym APU and the English expression "Auxiliary Power Unit", so that the auxiliary turbine supplies compressed air to the turboshaft engine.

[0007] An electric starter can receive a direct electric current supplied by an electrical network of the vehicle.

[0008] The electrical power required to start an internal combustion engine, particularly in a rotorcraft, is constantly increasing. This increase is primarily due to the use of increasingly powerful internal combustion engines. The performance and efficiency of certain internal combustion engines tend to necessitate the use of an electric starter providing significant electrical power.

[0009] To provide significant electrical power to an electric starter, the vehicle may, for example, include at least one electric battery or a parking outlet electrically supplying the electric starter.

[0010] In the case of an electric starter electrically powered by a battery When an electric starter motor draws significant electrical power, it can cause a substantial drop in voltage across the battery due to its internal resistance. The higher the current drawn by the starter, the greater the voltage drop. This voltage drop can vary depending on factors such as ambient temperature and the battery's state of charge.

[0011] Possibly, the electrical voltage may drop to a low value which no longer allows the electric starter to be properly supplied electrically, or even prevents the electrical supply of on-board equipment necessary for the vehicle during the starting phase.

[0012] To avoid this situation, the vehicle can be equipped with either a single electric battery with a large electrical capacity or several oversized electric batteries operating in parallel. Although effective, this solution has a significant impact on the vehicle's mass. Such a mass impact can affect an aircraft's payload.

[0013] Some documents are far removed from this issue.

[0014] The documents CN208226639U and CN108494072 are known and disclose power supply systems and circuit architecture solutions for starting and park groups.

[0015] Patents CN208874287 and CN109149552 disclose current limiting devices arranged in parallel via a contactor.

[0016] The present invention then aims to propose an innovative motor installation intended to electrically supply an electric starter during a starting phase.

[0017] The invention relates to a drive installation equipped with a thermal engine and an electric starter configured to start said thermal engine during a starting phase, said drive installation having a main source of electrical energy.

[0018] This drive installation includes a secondary electrical power source, said drive installation including a connector, said connector electrically linking in series said main electrical power source and said secondary electrical power source and said electric starter during the starting phase.

[0019] The term "connector" refers to a system fulfilling the required function. The connector may include one or more electrical conductors, one or more contactors... An electrical conductor may include one or more electrical wires or an electrical track, for example.

[0020] The main electrical power source may include at least one electric battery, a parking outlet, and / or an electric generator. The power source main electrical supply can also be electrically connected to an electrical distribution network to supply it with electrical energy, either alone or possibly, depending on the implementation, with the secondary electrical energy source.

[0021] The secondary electrical power source may include at least one electric battery, a supercapacitor, a fuel cell, an electric power generator for example or others.

[0022] To avoid excessively low electrical voltages across the terminals of the electric starter, the invention allows the electrical voltage across the electric starter to be increased by connecting the primary and secondary electrical power sources in series. The electric starter is designed to operate with a corresponding electrical voltage.

[0023] By way of example, the primary electrical power source may consist of an electric battery with a voltage of 28 volts, and the secondary electrical power source may also consist of an electric battery with a voltage of 28 volts. A nominal voltage of 56 volts can then be achieved at the terminals of the electric starter. The primary and secondary electrical power sources supply the electrical current required by the starter. A voltage drop during the starting phase therefore has a limited impact since both the primary and secondary electrical power sources experience a moderate voltage drop, dependent on the electrical current supplied. The electric starter thus presents a sufficient voltage at its terminals after such a potential voltage drop.

[0024] In addition, the main electrical power source and the secondary electrical power source can have a reasonable mass.

[0025] The drive installation may include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0026] According to a first embodiment, said connector may comprise a first electrical connection linking said primary electrical power source to a negative secondary terminal of said secondary electrical power source, said connector comprising a second electrical connection linking a positive secondary terminal of said secondary electrical power source to the electric starter, said second electrical connection comprising a starter contactor

[0027] Each electrical connection may include one or more electrical conductors. For example, the second electrical connection may include one electrical conductor connecting the secondary electrical power source to the starter contactor and another electrical conductor connecting the starter contactor to the electric starter.

[0028] The starter contactor can be controlled by a conventional human-machine interface. The term "contactor" here refers to a device capable of opening or closing an electrical connection such as an electromechanical relay controlled by an electrical signal, for example.

[0029] In addition, the main electrical power source and the electric starter can be electrically connected to an electrical ground, by means of electrical conductors.

[0030] This first embodiment can in particular be applied, on an existing vehicle, to an electric battery by adding a specific secondary electrical energy source for starting.

[0031] Optionally, the secondary electrical power source may include a single electric battery or several small electric batteries in series.

[0032] In this architecture, only the primary electrical power source can supply power to the electrical distribution network. The secondary electrical power source then supplies power only to the electric starter, and can, however, be recharged by the electrical distribution network.

[0033] According to one possibility, the drive installation may indeed include an electrical distribution network electrically connected to the main positive terminal of said main electrical power source and to at least one electrical charger of said secondary electrical power source.

[0034] For example, the secondary electrical power source includes at least one electric battery that can be electrically recharged by a respective electric charger, each charger being electrically connected to the electrical distribution network.

[0035] According to a second embodiment, the drive installation may include an electrical distribution network electrically connected to the main positive terminal of said main electrical power source, said connector being electrically connected to the electrical distribution network as well as to said secondary electrical power source and said electric starter, said connector comprising a plurality of contactors controlled by a selector and configured to electrically connect said electric starter in series with said main electrical power source and said secondary electrical power source during a starting phase.

[0036] The selector may include a programmable logic unit that controls the contactors in the usual way. The selector may receive a start signal from a human-machine interface. A driver operates this interface to initiate the starting of an internal combustion engine.

[0037] This second embodiment can in particular be applied to a vehicle already comprising two electric batteries.

[0038] The term "connector" here refers to a unit comprising one or more sub-assemblies. The connector allows the electrical power source to be connected in series. The primary and secondary electrical power sources are connected during a startup phase only and upon command from a human-machine interface. Outside of the startup phase, the connector can also allow the secondary electrical power source to supply power to the electrical power distribution network or to be recharged by the electrical power distribution network.

[0039] The connector can be connected to the distribution network in a so-called "floating" manner by a person skilled in the art. Therefore, if the voltage across the terminals of the secondary power source is higher than the voltage across the terminals of the power distribution network, then the secondary power source supplies electricity to the power distribution network. Conversely, if the voltage across the terminals of the secondary power source is lower than the voltage across the terminals of the power distribution network, then the secondary power source is recharged by the power distribution network.

[0040] In particular, the selector can control the connector to supply power to the electrical distribution network with the secondary electrical power source. In the event of a failure of the primary electrical power source, the connector contactors can be opened to isolate the secondary electrical power source from both the electrical distribution network and the primary electrical power source. During the start-up phase, some contactors are closed to connect the primary and secondary electrical power sources in series via the electrical distribution network.

[0041] For example, said connector may include a first electrical line connected to a negative secondary terminal of said secondary electrical power source, said connector including a second electrical line connected to a positive secondary terminal of said secondary electrical power source, said connector including a return electrical link equipped with a return contactor connecting the first electrical line to an electrical ground, said connector including a first intermediate electrical link equipped with a first connecting contactor connecting the first electrical line to the electrical distribution network, said connector including a second intermediate electrical link equipped with a second connecting contactor connecting the second electrical line to the electrical distribution network,said connector comprising a starting electrical connection equipped with a starting contactor linking the second electrical line to the starter.

[0042] The first power line, the second power line, the return power line, the first connecting line, the second intermediate power line and / or the starting power line may each have one or more conductors electrical. For example, each contactor is arranged between two electrical conductors.

[0043] During a start-up phase and in the absence of a failure, said selector is configured to close the first connecting contactor and the start contactor and to open the return contactor and the second connecting contactor.

[0044] Therefore, the negative secondary terminal of the secondary electrical power source is connected to the primary electrical power source via the electrical power distribution network. Furthermore, the positive secondary terminal of the secondary electrical power source is connected to the starter. The secondary electrical power source, the primary electrical power source, and the electric starter are electrically connected in series.

[0045] Apart from a start-up phase, said selector can be configured to open the first linking contactor and the start-up contactor and to close the return contactor and the second linking contactor.

[0046] Therefore, the negative secondary terminal of the secondary electrical power source is connected to the electrical ground of the drive installation. Furthermore, the positive secondary terminal of the secondary electrical power source is connected to the electrical distribution network.

[0047] The drive system may also include standard monitoring means. If the main and / or secondary electrical power source is found to be faulty, the selector can open all contactors to isolate the secondary electrical power source.

[0048] Optionally, the drive installation may include at least one main sensor measuring a main operating information of the main electrical power source and at least one secondary sensor measuring a secondary operating information of the secondary electrical power source, said selector being connected to the main sensor and the secondary sensor and being configured to control said contactors according to said main and secondary information.

[0049] Each sensor may include a conventional electric current sensor measuring an electric intensity and / or a conventional electric voltage sensor measuring an electric voltage.

[0050] The selector can compare each measurement to stored thresholds to open all contactors if an anomaly is detected. For example, if one of the measurements is not within a stored range of values, the selector opens all contactors.

[0051] Possibly, the various contactors are simple contactors.

[0052] However, the first connecting contactor and the second connecting contactor can form a two-pole, two-position contactor.

[0053] According to a possibility compatible with the preceding ones and independently of the embodiment, said main electrical energy source and said secondary electrical energy source may have the same electrical voltage.

[0054] According to another aspect, a vehicle can be equipped with a drive system according to the invention.

[0055] The invention further relates to a method for starting a drive installation equipped with a heat engine and an electric starter configured to start said heat engine, said drive installation having at least one main source of electrical power.

[0056] This method involves electrically connecting said main electrical power source, a secondary electrical power source and the electric starter during a starting phase.

[0057] The invention and its advantages will become apparent in more detail in the following description, with illustrative examples given by reference to the accompanying figures, which represent:

[0058] [Fig-1] [Fig.1], a diagram illustrating a drive installation having a source a primary electrical power source and a secondary electrical power source connected in series,

[0059] [Fig.2] [Fig.2], a diagram illustrating a drive installation having a source a primary electrical power source and a secondary electrical power source having two batteries in series,

[0060] [Fig.3] [Fig.3], a diagram illustrating a motor installation having a connector to several contactors,

[0061] [Fig.4] [Fig.4], a diagram illustrating a motor installation having a connector to simple contactors outside the start-up phase

[0062] [Fig.5] the [Fig.5], a diagram illustrating a motor installation having a connector to simple contactors during a start-up phase,

[0063] [Fig.6] [Fig.6], a diagram illustrating a motor installation having a connector having a two-pole, two-position contactor outside the starting phase, and

[0064] [Fig.7] [Fig.7], a diagram illustrating a motor installation having a connector having a two-pole, two-position contactor during a starting phase.

[0065] Elements present in several separate figures are assigned one and the same reference.

[0066] Figures 1 to 7 present various embodiments of the invention.

[0067] Regardless of the embodiment and with reference to [Fig. 1], the invention relates to a drive unit 1 equipped with a thermal engine 10. The drive unit 1 can be arranged within any system powered by a thermal engine, and in particular within a vehicle 90. For example, such a vehicle 90 may be a land, sea or air vehicle. For example, the vehicle 90 may be an aircraft equipped with a rotary wing 16 driven in rotation by a heat engine 10 possibly via a power transmission chain 15.

[0068] Regardless of its arrangement, a drive installation 1 according to the invention therefore comprises at least one internal combustion engine 10 and an electric starter 20. The electric starter 20 can be of a common type for starting the internal combustion engine 10. For example, the electric starter 20 can include an electric motor, an electric machine capable of operating in motor mode and in electric generator mode, an auxiliary motor... The electric starter 20 is further electrically connected to an electrical ground 5 of the drive installation 1.

[0069] According to the illustration in [Fig.1], the heat engine 10 can be a turboshaft engine equipped with a gas generator 11 and at least one working turbine 12 connected to the power transmission chain 15. The electric starter 20 can then set in motion a shaft of the gas generator 11 during a PHASD starting phase.

[0070] In addition, the drive installation 1 may include an electrical distribution network 30. Such an electrical distribution network 30 may include at least one electrical distribution link 31, of the BUS type for example, to supply one or more electrical consumers 32.

[0071] To supply a continuous electric current to the electric starter 20 and to the possible electrical distribution network 30, the drive installation 1 includes a main electrical power source 25.

[0072] The main electrical power source 25 may include a main electric battery, a park outlet, an electric generator for example.

[0073] The main electrical power source 25 is electrically connected to the electrical ground 5 of the drive installation 1 and to the electrical distribution network 30. According to the illustrated example, the main electrical power source 25 has a main negative terminal 26 electrically connected to the electrical ground 5 and a main positive terminal 27 electrically connected to the electrical distribution network 30.

[0074] Regardless of these aspects and the embodiment, the drive unit 1 includes a secondary electrical power source 40. The secondary electrical power source 40 may be dedicated to supplying power to the electric starter 20 or may also be electrically connected to the electrical distribution network 30, depending on the embodiment. The secondary electrical power source 40 may comprise one or more sources 41, such as an electric battery, supercapacitor, or electric power generator, for example.

[0075] According to one possible variant, the main electrical power source 25 and said secondary electrical energy source 40 generate electric currents, preferably continuous and / or of the same electrical voltage.

[0076] Furthermore, the drive installation 1 may include at least one main sensor 98, schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The main sensor 98 emits a main measurement signal, analog or digital, carrying main operating information for the main electrical power source 25. A main sensor 98 may include a conventional electric current sensor measuring an electric intensity and / or a conventional electric voltage sensor measuring an electric voltage.

[0077] The drive unit 1 may include at least one secondary sensor 99, schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The secondary sensor 99 emits a secondary measurement signal, analog or digital, carrying secondary operating information for the secondary electrical power source 40. The secondary sensor 99 may include a standard electric current sensor measuring an electric current and / or a standard electric voltage sensor measuring an electric voltage.

[0078] Regardless of the embodiment, the drive installation 1 includes a connector 50. The connector 50 is configured, at least during a PHASD starting phase, to electrically connect in series the main electrical power source 25, the secondary electrical power source 40 and the electric starter 20.

[0079] The drive unit 1 may further include a human-machine start interface 81, such as a touch panel, a button, or the like. An individual can then initiate a PHASD start phase by activating the human-machine start interface 81. This human-machine start interface 81 then emits a start signal carrying the start command. This start signal is transmitted directly or indirectly to the connector 50, for example via a selector switch 80.

[0080] The selector 80 can control one or more contactors according to a stored logic. The selector 80 can include, for example, at least one processor and at least one memory, at least one integrated circuit, at least one programmable system, at least one logic circuit; these examples do not limit the scope given to the term "selector." The term "processor" can refer to a central processing unit known by the acronym CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microcontroller, etc.

[0081] The selector 80 can be in communication, wired or wireless, with the main sensor 98 and the secondary sensor 99.

[0082] The starting method of the invention thus comprises the electrical connection in series of the main electrical power source 25, the secondary electrical power source 40 and the electric starter 20 during a PHASD starting phase.

[0083] According to the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the main energy source 25 has a The first electrical voltage VI at its terminals 26, 27 supplies electrically to the electrical distribution network 30. Then, the secondary electrical energy source 40 presents a second electrical voltage V2 at its terminals 46, 47. The electric starter 20 then presents a third electrical voltage V at its terminals substantially equal to the nominal value of the sum of the first electrical voltage VI and the second electrical voltage V2, i.e. V=V1+V2.

[0084] This system allows the electric starter 20 to function correctly, even in the event of an electrical voltage drop, regardless of external conditions.

[0085] According to the first embodiment of [Fig. 1], the secondary electrical energy source 20 can be dedicated to starting the heat engine 10.

[0086] Accordingly, the connector 50 includes a first electrical connection 56. The first electrical connection 56 includes an electrical conductor connecting the primary positive terminal 27 of the primary electrical power source 25 to a secondary negative terminal 46 of the secondary electrical power source 40. In addition, the connector 50 includes a second electrical connection 57 connecting a secondary positive terminal 47 of the secondary electrical power source 40 to the electric starter 20. The second electrical connection 57 includes a starting contactor 74 which closes during a starting phase, upon receipt, if applicable, of the starting signal. The starting contactor 74 is connected by two electrical conductors to the secondary electrical power source 40 and to the electric starter 20.

[0087] Optionally, the drive installation 1 includes at least one electric charger 85 electrically connected to the electrical power distribution network 30, to the electrical ground 5 and to an electrically rechargeable component of the secondary electrical power source 40.

[0088] For example, the drive unit 1 includes an electric charger 85 per rechargeable component of the secondary electrical power source 40.

[0089] Fig. 1 illustrates a secondary electrical power source 40 equipped with a single rechargeable electric battery 41 comprising the negative secondary terminal 46 and the positive secondary terminal 47. In addition, the negative secondary terminal 46 and the positive secondary terminal 47 are also electrically connected to the electric charger 85.

[0090] Figure 2 illustrates a secondary electrical power source 40 equipped with several rechargeable electrical sources in series, for example, batteries. A first electrical source 41 includes the negative secondary terminal 46 and is electrically connected by its positive terminal to a negative terminal of a second electrical source 42. Consequently, the second electrical source 42 has the positive secondary terminal 47 which is electrically connected to the electric starter 20 via the second electrical connection 57 of the connector 50.

[0091] When the human-machine startup interface 81 is activated, a signal from The start-up is initiated.

[0092] According to one possibility, the start signal can be transmitted to the start contactor which closes.

[0093] According to another possibility, the selector 80 receives the start signal and transmits a control signal to the starter contactor 74 to close it. Optionally, the selector 80 receives the start signal and the signals emitted by the main sensor 98 and the secondary sensor 99. If the selector 80 detects a fault, it may not close the starter contactor 74 despite the transmission of the start signal. In this case, the selector 80 may transmit an alert signal to an alarm 82 to generate a visual, audible, or other alarm.

[0094] When the engine 10 is started, a feedback signal is emitted, for example by an engine control unit, to open the starter contactor 74. For example, the feedback signal is transmitted to the starter contactor 74 which opens upon receiving this feedback signal.

[0095] If necessary, the selector 80 receives the start signal and the return signal to control the starter contactor 74, and possibly the signals emitted by the main sensor 98 and the secondary sensor 99. If the selector 80 detects a fault, it can open the starter contactor 74 despite the emission of the start signal. If necessary, the selector 80 can transmit an alert signal to an alarm device to generate a visual, audible, or other alarm.

[0096] Figures 3 to 7 illustrate drive installations 10, according to a second embodiment, having secondary electrical power sources 40 which are not isolated from the electrical distribution network 30. Optionally, the main electrical power source 25 and the secondary electrical power source 40 comprise two respective electric batteries.

[0097] With reference to [Fig. 3] and regardless of how the second embodiment is carried out, the connector 50 is a unit electrically connected to the electrical distribution network 30 as well as to the secondary electrical power source 40 and to the electric starter 20. The connector 50 is, for example, connected to the negative secondary terminal 46 and to the positive secondary terminal 47 of the secondary electrical power source 40. The connector 50 is also electrically connected to the electrical ground 5.

[0098] The connector 50 also includes a plurality of contactors 71, 72, 73, 74, for example arranged in a box 60. The selector 80 is also possibly arranged in the box 60.

[0099] The various contactors 71, 72, 73, 74 are configured to electrically connect in series the electric starter 20 with the main electrical power source 25 and the secondary electrical power source 40 during a PHASD starting phase.

[0100] The contactors 71, 72, 73, 74 are controlled by the selector 80 to allow the circulation of an electric current through them in a closed state or prohibiting the circulation of an electric current through them in an open state.

[0101] With reference to [Fig. 4], connector 50 may include various electrical lines comprising electrical conductors. The term "electrical conductors" refers to an object that conducts electricity and is capable of carrying an electric current through it.

[0102] Thus, the connector 50 may include a first electrical line 61 connected to a negative secondary terminal 46 of the secondary electrical power source 40. Therefore, the connector 50 may then include a return electrical link 63, equipped with a return contactor 71, connecting the first electrical line 61 to the electrical ground 5. In addition, the connector 50 has a first intermediate electrical link 64, equipped with a first linking contactor 72, connecting the first electrical line 61 to the electrical distribution network 30. Each electrical link of the connector 50 may include at least one electrical conductor and one contactor.

[0103] The connector 50 is also equipped with a second electrical line 62 connected to the positive secondary terminal 47 of the secondary electrical power source 40. The connector 50 then includes a second intermediate electrical connection 65, equipped with a second connecting contactor 73, connecting the second electrical line 62 to the electrical distribution network 30. Optionally, the second intermediate electrical connection 65 can be connected for this purpose to the first intermediate electrical connection 64, between the first connecting contactor 72 and the electrical distribution network 30. Furthermore, the connector 50 includes a starting electrical connection 66, equipped with a starting contactor 74, connecting the second electrical line 62 to the electric starter 20.

[0104] According to the variant of Figures 4 and 5, the return contactor 71; the first linking contactor 72, the second linking contactor 73 and the starting contactor 74 are simple contactors.

[0105] According to the variant shown in Figures 6 and 7, the return contactor 71 and the starting contactor 74 are simple contactors. In contrast, the first connecting contactor 72 and the second connecting contactor 73 form a two-pole, two-position contactor 75.

[0106] Regardless of the variant of the second embodiment and with reference to [Fig.4] or [Fig.6], outside of a PHASD start-up phase, the selector 80 can be configured to open at least the first linking contactor 72 and the start-up contactor 74, or even to close the return contactor 71 and the second linking contactor 73. Such a phase occurs as long as the human-machine start-up interface 81 has not been activated or when a start-up phase is completed.

[0107] With reference to [Fig. 5] or [Fig. 7], a starting signal can be sent to the electric starter 20, for example via a starting human-machine interface, to start the internal combustion engine 10. During a PHASD starting phase, the selector 80 is configured to close the first connecting contactor 72 and the starting contactor 74. Conversely, the return contactor 71 and the second connecting contactor 73 are open. The connector 50 is configured to electrically connect in series the primary power source 25, the secondary electrical power source 40, and the electric starter 20.

[0108] At the end of the PHASD start-up phase, according to the first variant shown in Figures 4 and 5, all contactors 71, 72, 73, and 74 are optionally placed in their open state by the selector 80, before those associated with the chosen configuration are possibly closed. The end of the start-up phase can be detected by the selector 80 upon receipt of a feedback signal emitted by the engine control unit, for example, in the usual manner. For instance, as soon as the engine control unit detects that an engine component has reached a speed exceeding a threshold, the engine control unit emits the start-up signal.

[0109] According to the second variant of Figures 6 and 7, the starting contactor 74 is opened, then the two-pole, two-position contactor is piloted to close the second linking contactor 73 and open the first linking contactor 72.

[0110] During or outside of a start-up phase, if the selector 80 detects a fault, using the main 98 and secondary 99 sensors, the selector can open all the contactors 71-74, or even transmit an alert signal to an alarmer to generate an alarm.

[0111] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations in its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all possible embodiments. It is, of course, conceivable to replace a described means with an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Power plant (1) equipped with a heat engine (10) and an electric starter (20) configured to start said heat engine (10) during a starting phase, said power plant (1) having a primary electrical power source (25), said power plant (1) comprising a secondary electrical power source (40), said power plant (1) comprising a connector (50), said connector (50) electrically connecting in series said primary electrical power source (25) and said secondary electrical power source (40) and said electric starter (20) during the starting phase (PHASD) characterized in that said power plant (1) comprises an electrical distribution network (30) electrically connected to said primary positive terminal (27) of the primary electrical power source (25),said connector (50) having a unit electrically connected to the electrical distribution network (30) as well as to said secondary electrical power source (40) and said electric starter (20), said connector (50) comprising a plurality of contactors (71, 72, 73, 74) controlled by a selector (80) and configured to electrically connect said electric starter (20) in series with said primary electrical power source (25) and said secondary electrical power source (40) during a starting phase (PHASD)....,

2. Motor installation according to claim 1, characterized in that said connector (50) comprises a first electrical line (61) connected to a negative secondary terminal (46) of said secondary electrical power source (40), said connector (50) comprising a second electrical line (62) connected to a positive secondary terminal (47) of said secondary electrical power source (40), said connector (50) comprising a return electrical link (63) equipped with a return contactor (71) connecting the first electrical line (61) to an electrical ground (30), said connector (50) comprising a first intermediate electrical link (64) equipped with a first connecting contactor (72) connecting the first electrical line (61) to the electrical distribution network (30), said connector (50) comprising a second intermediate electrical link (65) equipped with a second connecting contactor (73) connecting the second electrical line (62) to the electrical distribution network (30), said connector (50) comprising an electrical starting link (66) equipped with a starting contactor (74) connecting the second electrical line (62) to the electric starter (20).

3. Motor installation according to claim 2, characterized in that during a start-up phase (PHASD), said selector (80) is configured to close the first linking contactor (72) and the start-up contactor (74) and to open the return contactor (71) and the second linking contactor (73).

4. Motor installation according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that outside of a starting phase (PHASD), said selector (80) is configured to open the first linking contactor (72) and the starting contactor (74) and to close the return contactor (71) and the second linking contactor (73).

5. Motor installation according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first linking contactor (72) and the second linking contactor (73) form a two-pole, two-position contactor (75).

6. A drive installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drive installation comprises at least one main sensor measuring a main operating information of the main electrical power source and at least one secondary sensor (99) measuring a secondary operating information of the secondary electrical power source, said selector (80) being connected to the main sensor (98) and the secondary sensor (99) and being configured to control said contactors (71, 72, 73, 74) according to said main and secondary information.

7. A drive installation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said main electrical power source (25) and said secondary electrical power source (40) have the same electrical voltage.

8. Vehicle (90) equipped with a drive unit (1), characterized in that said drive unit (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 7

Images