Dual Alternator Power Delivery for Electrically Heated Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently powering electrically heated catalysts due to high costs of high-power switching devices and large alternator sizes, as well as the need to avoid warranting batteries as part of emissions control systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating two alternators in the vehicle's electrical system, where one alternator is dedicated to supplying power to the electrically heated catalyst, allowing output power control through field current adjustments and electrical isolation from the battery, thereby simplifying power delivery and reducing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large alternator is used to supply power to the electrically heated catalyst and other vehicle electrical consumers, then the power delivery capacity is sufficient, but the alternator size becomes substantially larger than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power supply system is segmented into two separate alternators: a first alternator dedicated to supplying power to the electrically heated catalyst, and a second alternator supplying power to the battery and other vehicle electrical consumers. This segmentation allows each alternator to be sized appropriately for its specific load, avoiding the need for one oversized alternator.
2Ease of operation
If high power switching devices and pulse width modulation circuitry are used to control power flow to the electrically heated catalyst, then power delivery control is achieved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is extracted from complex switching devices and pulse width modulation circuitry, and instead implemented through field current regulation of the first alternator. By controlling the field current of the alternator, the output voltage and power to the catalyst heater can be regulated without requiring expensive high-power switching components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrically heated catalyst is electrically coupled to the battery, then power supply flexibility is improved, but a special battery warranty is required as part of the emissions control system
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is segmented into separate domains: the first alternator and its dedicated load (catalyst heater) form one electrical domain, while the second alternator and battery form another domain. This segmentation isolates the emissions control system from the battery, eliminating the need for special battery warranties while maintaining adequate power supply flexibility through the dedicated first alternator.
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 approach improves power delivery to the electrically heated catalyst, simplifies alternator control, and isolates emissions-related components from non-emissions related components, reducing the need for special battery warranties and avoiding large alternator sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a first alternator including an armature, the armature not in electrical communication with an electric energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
an electrically heated catalyst electrically coupled to the first alternator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing electric energy to an electrically heated catalyst are described. In one example, the electrically heated catalyst may be a three phase device with heating elements that are arranged in a delta configuration. In other examples, the electrically heated catalyst may include a single heating element.