Vehicle Engine Starter Voltage Control Using Super-Capacitors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine starting devices face challenges such as premature wear of electric starters due to high intensity currents, inefficiency under strong undervoltage conditions, and difficulty in starting engines in low temperatures or high humidity, leading to potential component resets and wear in the electrical power supply network.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing super-capacitors connected to the electrical power supply network, with a supervision computer calculating a theoretical support time based on engine temperature, state of charge, and power source temperature to determine when to support the power source, preventing resets and wear by optimizing the use of a centralized voltage maintaining device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the electric starter is subjected to high intensity electric current during a Boost effect, then the force torque delivered to the heat engine is increased, but the wear of the electric starter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce torqueVSAvoidwear of electric starter
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized voltage maintaining device as an intermediary between the electric power source and the electric starter. This device includes a DC-DC converter that regulates voltage and a capacitor that stores energy, acting as a buffer to deliver high current to the starter without subjecting the battery to excessive discharge currents, thereby reducing wear on the battery while maintaining high torque output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the starting device operates under strong undervoltage conditions, then the device must work harder to maintain performance, but the efficiency of the starting device decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation under undervoltageVSAvoidefficiency of starting device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a DC-DC converter that dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage and current) based on the state of the battery and the starting requirements. When undervoltage is detected, the converter transforms the low voltage from the battery into the appropriate voltage level for the starter, maintaining efficient operation across varying voltage conditions without energy loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the starting device is used in low temperature or high humidity conditions, then the engine is difficult to start, but the electrical components are subjected to increased stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation in extreme conditionsVSAvoidstress on electrical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a capacitor in the centralized voltage maintaining device that pre-charges and stores energy in anticipation of starting demands. In extreme conditions where engine starting requires higher torque, this pre-stored energy is immediately available to supplement the battery output, reducing the stress on electrical components during high-demand starting events in cold or humid environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 method enhances the durability of the electrical power supply network by preventing resets and wear, optimizing performance under various conditions, and ensuring efficient engine starting while minimizing component stress.

Implementation Method 1

a set of super-capacitors (9) connected to the electric power supply network (7) forming an energy store capable of being called upon to support the electric power source (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2630363B1Method for using a start-up device of a motor vehicle engine
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP2630363B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for using a device for starting a heat engine of a motor vehicle. The method comprises a step in which a theoretical hold time Tt is determinedby a monitoring computer (101).