Vehicle Generator Control Apparatus for Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric generator control systems for vehicles suffer from inefficiencies due to variations in engine conditions, battery state, and load demands, leading to reduced fuel economy and unpleasant engine idling sensations, as they primarily control output voltage without optimizing current levels.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that dynamically switches between voltage control and current control modes based on specific criteria, including engine idling, battery charge, and environmental conditions, to set target values for voltage and current, ensuring efficient power generation and recycling of kinetic energy while minimizing fuel consumption and engine speed fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the output voltage of the electric generator is increased to maintain battery charge voltage at a predetermined value during engine idling, then the battery charging is ensured, but the operating efficiency of the electric generator is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between voltage control mode and current control mode based on operating conditions. During engine idling, it transitions to current control mode to optimize generator efficiency, while during normal operation it uses voltage control mode to ensure reliable battery charging. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the control strategy according to the specific operating context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the controlled parameter from voltage to current based on operating conditions. By switching the control target parameter, the system can optimize generator efficiency during idling (current control) while maintaining reliable charging during normal operation (voltage control), thus resolving the efficiency-reliability contradiction.
2Reliability
If the output voltage of the electric generator is maintained at a high level during engine idling, then the battery charging is prioritized, but the engine speed fluctuations increase causing unpleasant sensations to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the control mode based on engine operating conditions. During engine idling, it switches to current control mode which stabilizes engine speed and reduces fluctuations, thereby eliminating unpleasant sensations for the driver while still ensuring adequate battery charging through optimized current regulation.
3Device complexity
If only the output voltage of the generator is controlled, then the system complexity is reduced, but the operating efficiency of the generator cannot be optimized across different running conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses dynamic mode switching between voltage control and current control based on operating conditions. This allows the system to maintain relatively simple control logic while achieving optimized generator efficiency across different running conditions by selecting the appropriate control mode for each situation.
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 enhances fuel economy, maintains sufficient power for vehicle loads, reduces battery deterioration, and prevents unpleasant engine idling sensations by optimizing generator efficiency and power output.
Implementation Method 1
an AC generator that is driven from the vehicle engine, and a rectifier apparatus, for producing a (unsmoothed) DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An electric generator control apparatus of a vehicle sets respective target values of output voltage and output current for the electric generator of the vehicle, and selectively establishes a voltage control mode for holding the generator output voltage at the target voltage or a current control mode for holding the generator output current at the target current, with the mode selection and the setting of target values being performed based on criteria such as the level of charge of the vehicle battery, the electrical load of the vehicle equipment, etc.