Active Engine Idle Control for High Electrical Load Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for vehicle electronics is limited by the output of the on-vehicle generator, which typically consists of an alternator and a regulator, as it cannot produce sufficient power at factory-programmed idle RPMs when additional electrical loads are required, especially in military vehicles with high-power draw equipment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for active idle control that manipulates the accelerator system to emulate a depression force on the pedal, signaling the ECM to increase engine speed and generator RPM, ensuring sufficient power output by maintaining the engine at a higher idle RPM than factory settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine operates at factory-programmed idle RPM, then fuel consumption is optimized and emissions are reduced, but the generator cannot produce sufficient power for additional electrical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine idle RPM based on the electrical load requirements. When additional electrical loads are detected, the controller increases the idle RPM above the factory-programmed level to enable the generator to produce sufficient power. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the engine to operate at higher RPM only when necessary, rather than maintaining a fixed idle speed that cannot meet varying power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter (engine RPM) from the fixed factory-programmed idle speed to a variable idle speed that can be increased when additional electrical power is required. The controller monitors the electrical load and adjusts the idle RPM accordingly, transforming the static parameter into a dynamic one that adapts to power demand while minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption.
2Power
If the idle RPM is increased to meet electrical power demand, then sufficient power is available for additional loads, but the engine speed fluctuates and becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the controller continuously monitors the engine RPM and the electrical load conditions. When additional power is required, the controller increases the idle RPM and uses feedback signals to maintain the target idle speed, preventing fluctuations. The feedback mechanism ensures that once the target idle speed is reached, the system maintains stability rather than continuing to increase RPM, thus resolving the contradiction between power output and idle stability.
3Power
If the engine RPM is increased above factory settings, then the generator can supply power for high-demand electrical equipment, but the factory-calibrated emission control systems become ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the idle RPM only when additional electrical loads are detected, rather than operating continuously at elevated speeds. By making the RPM increase conditional and temporary, the system minimizes the duration and magnitude of emissions deviations from factory calibration, while still providing sufficient power when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In an approach to active engine idle control, an apparatus comprises: an accelerator module interface; an engine control module (ECM) interface; a computer readable storage media; and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine an engine speed target for a vehicle engine in revolutions per minute (RPM) based on an electrical load on the vehicle; determine a voltage curve for one or more position sensors of an accelerator module in the vehicle; determine a voltage target for the ECM for each position sensor of the one or more position sensors; and responsive to a first signal that the apparatus is engaged and a second signal that the vehicle is stopped, set an input voltage to the ECM at the voltage target for each of the one or more position sensors.