Vehicle Generator Voltage Control for Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation control systems in vehicles do not efficiently manage generator output voltage based on battery state, leading to potential insufficient power accumulation and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power generation control apparatus that includes an engine, a variable voltage generator, and sensors to detect startup, driving, and battery state, adjusting output voltage to ensure efficient charging and prevent power insufficiency by setting specific voltage levels based on accumulation thresholds and internal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the generator output voltage is set to a high value to charge the battery quickly, then the charging speed is improved, but the fuel consumption of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator output voltage is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time detection of battery state (accumulation amount, internal resistance, temperature). The control device switches between first output voltage (higher) and second output voltage (lower) according to battery conditions, optimizing both charging speed and fuel consumption at different operational stages
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the generator output voltage parameter based on battery internal resistance and accumulation amount. When internal resistance is low and accumulation is insufficient, higher voltage is applied for fast charging. When internal resistance increases or battery is sufficiently charged, voltage is reduced to minimize fuel consumption
2Loss of energy
If the generator output voltage is set to a low value to reduce fuel consumption, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the charging speed decreases and power accumulation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control device detects battery state in advance and adjusts generator output voltage proactively. When battery accumulation amount is below threshold or internal resistance is low, the system preemptively applies higher voltage to ensure sufficient charging, preventing power insufficiency before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery accumulation amount and internal resistance, using this feedback to dynamically adjust generator output voltage. The control device modifies voltage based on real-time battery state, ensuring optimal charging speed while maintaining fuel efficiency
3Reliability
If the generator continuously charges the battery at high voltage, then the battery accumulation amount is maintained, but the engine energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies high generator output voltage only partially - specifically when battery accumulation amount is below threshold or internal resistance indicates charging capability. When battery is sufficiently charged or internal resistance is high, the system reduces voltage to lower levels, avoiding excessive charging that would waste engine energy
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
The system effectively prevents power insufficiency in vehicle batteries by optimizing generator output voltage during startup and driving conditions, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a generator which is driven by the engine and output voltage of which is variable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
A power generation control apparatus that is provided in a vehicle including an engine, a generator which is driven by the engine and output voltage of which is variable, and accumulating means connected to the generator, includes: accumulation amount calculating means that calculates an accumulation amount of the accumulating means; output voltage setting means that sets a first value as the output voltage when the accumulation amount is below an accumulation amount threshold value, and sets a second value, which is smaller than the first value, as the output voltage when the accumulation amount is not less than the accumulation amount threshold value; startup state detecting means that detects a startup state of the engine; and driving state detecting means that detects a driving state of the vehicle, wherein the output voltage setting means sets the first value as the output voltage, regardless of the accumulation amount, until the driving state detecting means detects that the vehicle is driving after the startup state detecting means detects that the engine is starting up.