Dual Engine Starting Control for Fording and Cold Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat engine starting devices, particularly those with starter-alternators, face challenges in extreme cold and flooded conditions, leading to immobilization risks and failed start-ups, especially in high-torque Diesel engines.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that selectively activate the alternator-starter or starter based on submerged status and engine temperature, using a submerged starter detector and temperature sensor to determine the appropriate power source for starting, ensuring reliable engine start-ups in varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the starter motor is moved to the lower part of the engine to meet high-torque requirements, then the starting torque is improved, but the engine becomes vulnerable to water damage when crossing fords
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the starter and alternator-starter, selecting which component activates based on water level detection. When the starter is detected as submerged, the control system intermediates by activating the alternator-starter instead, preventing water damage while maintaining starting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the starting system by switching between two different starting mechanisms (starter and alternator-starter) based on environmental conditions. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to flooded conditions while maintaining high-torque starting capability.
2Speed
If the alternator-starter is used to assist the combustion engine during acceleration, then the acceleration performance is improved, but the starting reliability deteriorates in very cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its starting strategy based on temperature conditions. The control system monitors engine temperature and automatically switches between alternator-starter and starter activation, ensuring reliable starting in cold weather while allowing alternator-starter assistance during acceleration when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses temperature feedback from the engine to determine the appropriate starting method. When the engine temperature is below the threshold indicating cold conditions, the system feedbacks to activate the starter instead of the alternator-starter, ensuring reliable starting in cold weather.
3Ease of operation
If the starter is activated when submerged in water, then the engine can be started, but the starter sealing system may leak or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary detection of water level before attempting to start the engine. By detecting submersion in advance, the system takes preliminary anti-action by preventing the starter from activating when submerged, thereby avoiding potential sealing system leaks or failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the starter's operational status and water level before initiating the starting sequence. This preliminary action allows the control system to identify submerged conditions and switch to the alternator-starter before any damage can occur to the starter sealing system.
4Device complexity
If a single starting method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The starting system achieves universality by incorporating two different starting mechanisms (starter and alternator-starter) that can function under different environmental conditions. The control system manages both components, allowing the system to adapt to various conditions including flooded environments and cold weather, thereby enhancing versatility without requiring entirely separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of operating a device (40) for starting a heat engine (20) comprising an alternator-starter (10) and a starter (15), characterized in that the method comprises a first and a second activation stage which are mutually exclusive: - the first activation stage comprising the emission of an activation signal, in particular a supply signal, from the alternator-starter (10), and - the second activation stage comprising the emission of an activation signal, in particular a supply signal, from the starter (15).