Vehicle Generator Control Method for Reducing Engine Starting Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle generator control systems face challenges in reducing engine starting load and improving cold starting capacity, particularly in medium and light vehicles, due to high power consumption and low storage battery state of charge during starting, leading to difficulties in starting the vehicle in cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle generator control method where the engine ECU controls the generator's separately excited loop based on engine operating conditions, disconnecting it during starting and reconnecting it during idling to manage electricity generation, using a generator control relay and diodes to prevent reverse voltage and improve control precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the generator separately excited loop is connected during engine starting, then the generator can generate electricity to meet load demand, but the starting load of the engine increases and cold starting capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the generator excitation relay to disconnect the separately excited loop before the engine starting process begins. The ECU receives the engine starting signal and proactively opens the excitation circuit, preventing the generator from generating electricity during starting. This preliminary disconnection avoids the harmful effect of increased starting load while maintaining the capability to generate power after starting completes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the generator separately excited loop is disconnected during engine starting, then the engine starting load is reduced and cold starting capacity is improved, but the generator cannot generate electricity to meet load demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the generator excitation state variable rather than fixed. The ECU dynamically controls the excitation relay based on engine operating conditions: disconnecting during starting (when harmful starting load would occur) and connecting during normal operation (when power generation is needed). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the generator's power output capability to the specific operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through the ECU monitoring engine operating conditions (starting signal, engine speed) to control the excitation relay state. The ECU receives feedback about engine status and adjusts the generator excitation accordingly, ensuring the generator operates appropriately for each phase - disconnected during starting and connected during normal operation - thereby resolving the power generation contradiction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the generator excitation coil is continuously charged, then the generator can maintain excitation magnetic field, but reverse voltage may interfere with control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful reverse voltage effect by disconnecting the excitation coil from the electrical circuit during engine starting through the excitation relay. By removing the excitation coil connection during periods when reverse voltage would be generated, the system eliminates the source of interference to the control system while maintaining excitation capability when needed for power generation.
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 effectively reduces engine starting load and enhances cold starting capacity by optimizing generator operation, improving control precision and accuracy while avoiding interference from reverse voltage.
Implementation Method 1
One end of the generator switching unit is connected to an excitation positive terminal of a generator via a first diode for preventing a generator excitation coil from generating a reverse voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vehicle generator control method. An engine ECU controls the generator according to an operating condition of the engine, and the control process is as follows: when the engine ECU determines that the engine is in a starting condition, the engine ECU controls a generator separately excited loop to be disconnected, so that the generator does not generate electricity; and when the engine ECU determines that the engine enters an idling condition, the engine ECU controls the generator separately excited loop to be closed, so that the generator is started to generate electricity, and after the generator is started to generate electricity, the generator carries out normal electricity generation until the engine stops operating. Through the vehicle generator control method, the starting load of the engine can be effectively reduced, and cold starting capacity is improved. Also provided is a vehicle generator control system.