Generator Control Apparatus for Automotive Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power generation control systems for electric generators in automobiles face challenges in achieving high control response and stability, particularly in managing battery charge and discharge operations efficiently, leading to potential over-charge or over-discharge issues and complex computations.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for electric generators that includes a power generation cost determiner, threshold determiner, comparator, and controller, which determines the power generation cost based on engine operating conditions and State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device, comparing it to a threshold to adjust power generation accordingly, preventing over-charge and over-discharge while optimizing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power generation cost control is implemented to minimize total power generation cost by controlling alternator to charge battery when cost is lower, then fuel economy is improved, but control complexity increases due to requirements for preventing over-charge/over-discharge and considering battery degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by determining power generation costs as functions of engine operating parameters (rotational speed, output torque, fuel consumption) and battery state of charge. The controller adjusts alternator output based on these parameter changes, comparing power generation costs at different operating points to minimize fuel consumption while maintaining simple control logic through predefined cost functions and threshold comparisons
2Stability of the object's composition
If constant voltage control is used to regulate terminal voltage of battery to reference voltage, then voltage stability is maintained, but control response is slow because control process is performed only after voltage change has taken place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by determining power generation costs based on current engine operating conditions and battery state of charge before actual power generation decisions are made. The controller proactively adjusts alternator output based on predicted power generation costs rather than reacting to voltage deviations, enabling faster control response while maintaining voltage stability through anticipatory power balance management
3Speed
If power balance control is implemented to keep balance between electric power required by loads and that supplied by electric power sources, then control response and stability are improved, but additional computational requirements are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using simplified power generation cost functions that can be quickly computed from basic engine parameters and battery state of charge. Rather than implementing complex real-time optimization algorithms, the system uses predetermined cost relationships and threshold comparisons that require minimal computational resources while achieving fast control response and maintaining power balance between generation and consumption
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a control apparatus for an electric generator includes a power generation cost determiner determining a power generation cost of the generator, a threshold determiner determining a threshold of power generation cost as a function of a state of charge of an electric energy storage device, a comparator comparing the power generation cost of the generator with the threshold, and a controller. When the power generation cost of the generator is lower than the threshold, the controller controls the generator to generate an increased amount of electric power, so as to both charge the electric energy storage device and feed an electrical load. Otherwise, when the power generation cost of the generator is higher than the threshold, the controller controls the generator to generate a decreased amount of electric power, so as to allow the electric energy storage device to discharge to feed the electrical load.