Alternator Regulator Adapting to 12V and 24V Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face high costs and resource inefficiencies due to the need for producing multiple alternators and regulators to accommodate different vehicle power systems, such as 12V and 24V systems, which require specific output configurations.
Innovation Solution
An alternator with a built-in controller and regulator that can execute different field current control programs based on detected battery voltage, allowing it to adapt to either 12V or 24V systems, and optionally using vehicle identification information to select the appropriate program, thereby enabling a single alternator model to be used across various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manufacturers produce multiple alternators and regulators for different vehicle power systems, then each alternator can be precisely configured for specific applications (12V or 24V), but manufacturing costs and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both 12V and 24V power systems. The controller executes different field current control programs based on detected battery voltage, allowing a single regulator design to serve multiple applications. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to produce separate regulators for different voltage systems, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precise configuration for each application type.
2Manufacturing precision
If manufacturers produce multiple alternators and regulators for different vehicle power systems, then each alternator can be precisely configured for specific applications, but device variety and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator incorporates a controller that can execute multiple field current control programs stored in memory. Based on the detected battery voltage (12V or 24V), the controller automatically selects and executes the appropriate control program. This universal design allows a single regulator model to be used across different vehicle power systems, significantly reducing the variety of regulator models manufacturers must produce and manage in inventory.
3Productivity
If a single alternator model is used for multiple applications, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the alternator must incorporate adaptive control mechanisms to handle different voltage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-loaded with multiple field current control programs in its memory before the alternator is installed in a vehicle. During initial operation, the controller detects the battery voltage and automatically selects the appropriate pre-programmed control program for that voltage system. This preliminary preparation of control programs allows the single alternator model to adapt to different applications without requiring complex real-time calculations or external programming, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while managing controller complexity through pre-computed solutions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for a single alternator model to be used in multiple applications, reducing production costs and resource usage by enabling the alternator to automatically adjust its output to match the vehicle's power system requirements, thereby achieving cost savings and increased efficiency in manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage sensor is configured to detect a battery voltage
Implementation Method 2
A controller in the alternator is configured to execute either a first field current control program or a second field current control program depending at least in part upon the detected battery voltage. The first field current control program is configured to control the electric current delivered to the field coil in a 12 volt vehicle power system. The second field current control program is configured to control the electric current delivered to the field coil in a 24 volt vehicle power system.
Implementation Method 3
A field driver circuit is configured to deliver an electric current to the field coil
Implementation Method 4
Current flowing through the rotating field coil provides a rotating magnetic field. This rotating magnetic field induces an AC output voltage in the stator windings.
Data Source
AI summary
An alternator configured for use in a vehicle comprises a stator having a plurality of stator windings. A rotatable field coil is positioned adjacent to the stator within the alternator. A field driver circuit is configured to deliver an electric current to the field coil. A voltage sensor is configured to detect a battery voltage. A controller in the alternator is configured to execute either a first field current control program or a second field current control program depending at least in part upon the detected battery voltage. The first field current control program is configured to control the electric current delivered to the field coil in a 12 volt vehicle power system. The second field current control program is configured to control the electric current delivered to the field coil in a 24 volt vehicle power system.