Alternator Efficiency Map Control for Vehicle Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation control methods for alternators do not effectively account for efficiency variations across different manufacturers, models, and operation temperatures, leading to suboptimal battery charge and discharge performance and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method of intelligently controlling power generation based on an efficiency map, utilizing a load map and driving torque map to determine high-efficiency points and adjust voltage change speed control, incorporating outdoor temperature, alternator temperature, and engine RPM to optimize alternator performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single driving torque map is used for all alternators based on voltage change speed control, then the control system is simple and easy to implement, but the alternator efficiency is suboptimal because it does not account for efficiency variations across different manufacturers, models, and operation temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alternator control system by creating multiple driving torque maps corresponding to different operation temperature ranges (e.g., low temperature, medium temperature, high temperature). The controller divides the temperature domain and selects the appropriate map based on the current alternator temperature, allowing each map to be optimized for its specific temperature range while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of driving torque maps based on real-time alternator temperature conditions. The controller dynamically switches between different maps according to the current operating temperature, enabling the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and maintain optimal alternator efficiency across different operating environments
2Ease of operation
If the same driving torque map is applied to all alternators regardless of temperature conditions, then the control strategy is uniform and simple, but battery charge and discharge performance deteriorates due to inefficient alternator operation in suboptimal temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from a single universal driving torque map to multiple temperature-specific driving torque maps. Each map is calibrated for optimal performance in its designated temperature range, allowing the system to maintain high alternator efficiency and thus improve battery charge and discharge performance under varying thermal conditions
3Device complexity
If voltage change speed control is used without considering alternator temperature, then the control method is simple and widely applicable, but fuel efficiency is compromised because the alternator cannot operate at optimal efficiency points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple driving torque maps for different temperature ranges before actual operation. These maps are prepared in advance based on alternator efficiency characteristics at various temperatures, allowing the controller to quickly select the appropriate map without complex real-time calculations, thus improving fuel efficiency while limiting the increase in control complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of intelligently controlling power generation based on an efficiency map may include performing a power generation control selection mode in which voltage change speed control is performed based on a load map or a driving torque map of an alternator after power generation control of the alternator is performed by a controller while a vehicle travels.