Alternator Voltage Regulator with Battery Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle alternators lack the ability to dynamically adjust current to the field winding based on the type and environmental conditions of the battery, which can lead to damage or inefficient charging, especially in varying temperature and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle alternator with a voltage regulator that receives a battery temperature signal and adjusts the current to the field coil, utilizing a processor and memory device to execute specific programs for different battery types, ensuring optimal charging parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed current control method is used for the field coil, then the alternator structure is simple, but the battery may be damaged or charged inefficiently under varying temperature and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator dynamically adjusts the field coil current based on real-time battery temperature and environmental conditions rather than using a fixed control method. The regulator modifies the current output according to the specific charging needs of different battery types and conditions, enabling adaptive control that prevents battery damage while optimizing charging efficiency across varying operating environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (current magnitude) delivered to the field coil based on detected battery temperature and environmental conditions. By varying these parameters in response to sensor inputs, the regulator optimizes the magnetic field strength to produce appropriate output current for safe and efficient battery charging under different conditions.
2Productivity
If the alternator output is increased to charge the battery faster, then the productivity is improved, but the battery may be damaged due to excessive current
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor battery temperature and environmental conditions to determine the appropriate field coil current level. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust the charging rate in real-time, increasing productivity when conditions permit while preventing excessive current that could damage the battery, thus resolving the contradiction between charging speed and battery safety.
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
The solution allows for precise and efficient battery charging by adapting the alternator's output to the specific type and conditions of the battery, preventing damage and optimizing energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
Current flowing through the rotating field coil results in a related current induced in the stator windings
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle alternator comprises a housing with a voltage regulator positioned within the housing. The alternator further comprises a rotor having a field coil positioned within the housing and a stator positioned within the housing. The stator includes stator windings configured to provide an output voltage in response to rotation of the rotor. The voltage regulator is configured to receive a battery temperature signal from outside of the alternator and control the current provided to the field coil based at least in part on the received battery temperature signal. In at least one embodiment, the battery temperature signal is provided from a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the vehicle battery. The voltage regulator of the alternator includes a processor configured to control the current provided to the field coil based at least in part on the particular type of vehicle battery used in association with the alternator.