Engine Stop Control Using Battery Discharge State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices in vehicles may stop the engine when an alternator needs to generate electric power, leading to wasteful engine restarting, despite the need for continuous power supply.
Innovation Solution
A control device that includes an acquisition unit to monitor battery current and a control unit to prevent engine shutdown when the battery is discharging, ensuring the alternator generates power to meet load demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the engine is stopped based on automatic stop conditions (coolant temperature and vehicle speed), then fuel consumption is reduced, but power supply reliability deteriorates when the alternator is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary assessment of power supply conditions before executing engine stop control. By checking whether the battery is charging or discharging and whether the alternator can meet load demands, the system prevents engine stop commands from being issued when power supply reliability would be compromised, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel savings and power supply reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors battery current state and alternator output capacity, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust engine stop control decisions. When feedback indicates the battery is discharging or the alternator cannot meet demand, the control device prohibits engine stop, thereby maintaining power supply reliability while still enabling fuel-efficient operation under appropriate conditions
2Power
If the engine is restarted to supply electric power when the battery needs discharge current, then power supply demand is met, but engine operation efficiency deteriorates due to wasteful stopping and restarting
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary assessment of power supply conditions before executing engine stop control. By checking whether the battery is charging or discharging and whether the alternator can meet load demands, the system prevents engine stop commands from being issued when power supply reliability would be compromised, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel savings and power supply reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors battery current state and alternator output capacity, using this feedback information to dynamically adjust engine stop control decisions. When feedback indicates the battery is discharging or the alternator cannot meet demand, the control device prohibits engine stop, thereby maintaining power supply reliability while still enabling fuel-efficient operation under appropriate conditions
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
Prevents unnecessary engine shutdowns by allowing the alternator to generate power, maintaining power supply stability and reducing wasteful engine operations.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator connected in parallel with the DC-to-DC converter in such a manner that the alternator is able to supply electric power generated by rotation of an engine to the load
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for controlling a power supply system including a DC-to-DC converter that supplies power of a power supply source to a load, an alternator that is connected in parallel with DC-to-DC converter so as to be capable of supplying power generated by rotation of the engine to the load, and a battery that is connected to the load so as to be capable of supplying power, the control device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a current of the battery; and a control unit that controls an operation of the engine and the alternator based on the information, wherein the control unit prohibits stopping of the engine in operation when the battery is in a discharging state for outputting a current to the load.