Vehicle Alternator Power Control for Auxiliary Temperature Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically powered temperature control units in goods vehicles face challenges in managing power demand from vehicle alternators, leading to potential battery discharge and adverse effects on low-voltage systems, as they lack control over alternator speed and power output.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitor the output voltage of the vehicle alternator, adjusting the power demand of auxiliary systems by controlling current draw, switching loads, or using an auxiliary battery to ensure power supply is met without draining the vehicle battery, utilizing a controller and power converters to optimize power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the auxiliary system draws power from the vehicle alternator without power management, then the power demand of the auxiliary system can be met, but the vehicle battery may discharge and low-voltage systems may be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the output voltage of the alternator and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the power demand of the auxiliary system. When alternator output voltage indicates sufficient power availability, the controller allows higher power draw; when voltage drops indicating limited capacity, the controller reduces power demand to prevent battery discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power demand of the auxiliary system based on real-time alternator output conditions. The controller modifies operational parameters such as compressor speed, pump flow rate, or heater power to match the available alternator capacity, transforming a static power draw system into an adaptive one that responds to changing electrical conditions.
2Reliability
If the power demand of the auxiliary system is reduced to protect the vehicle battery, then battery discharge is prevented, but the temperature control performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic monitoring of alternator output voltage and adjusts auxiliary system power demand in cycles, allowing the system to operate at optimal temperature control levels when power is available, then scaling back when alternator capacity is limited, rather than maintaining a constantly reduced power level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the auxiliary system (such as compressor displacement, pump speed, or heater element power) based on alternator output conditions, allowing flexible adjustment that maintains temperature control performance when power is abundant while protecting the battery when power is limited.
3Temperature
If the auxiliary system operates at full power demand, then temperature control performance is optimized, but the vehicle alternator may be overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from alternator output voltage monitoring to detect when the alternator is approaching its power capacity limits and proactively adjusts auxiliary system power demand downward before overload occurs, maintaining optimal temperature control within available power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary system's power consumption is made dynamic rather than fixed, with the controller continuously adjusting operational parameters to match the alternator's instantaneous power capacity, allowing full power operation when available but automatically scaling back when alternator capacity is exceeded.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a system for managing electrical power drawn from a vehicle alternator to supply power to an auxiliary system The system comprises a controller configured to: determine an output voltage of the vehicle alternator; perform a comparison of the output voltage of the vehicle alternator to a threshold; and adjust a power demand of the auxiliary system according to the result of the comparison.