Generator Voltage Control for Engine Idle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alternator controllers cause unstable engine idle speed and excessive battery discharge due to pulsating power generation, leading to inefficient fuel economy and potential battery depletion, as they struggle to manage varying electric power demands and voltage fluctuations among current consumers.
Innovation Solution
A power generation control apparatus with a voltage detector and power controller that maintains a constant difference between detected voltage and a second target value lower than a first target value, suppressing power generation based on this difference to stabilize voltage and prevent excessive discharge, while adjusting target values according to current consumer conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power generation of the alternator is suppressed to improve fuel economy, then engine idle speed is stabilized, but battery voltage is lowered and battery is discharged excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically by switching between a first target value (higher voltage for fuel economy) and a second target value (lower voltage for battery protection). The controller monitors battery voltage and switching state, and adjusts the generator's target voltage accordingly, allowing the system to operate in different voltage states based on current conditions to resolve the contradiction between fuel economy and battery voltage stability.
2Reliability
If alternator controller stops suppression of power generation when battery voltage is lowered, then battery voltage is restored, but power generation pulsates and engine idle speed becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously monitoring battery voltage and the state of suppression, and adjusting the target voltage value accordingly. Rather than abrupt switching, the system dynamically transitions between suppression and non-suppression states based on real-time voltage conditions, which smooths out power generation fluctuations and maintains engine idle speed stability while still restoring battery voltage when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If predetermined voltage value is preset based on highest operation voltage, then all current consumers can operate, but power generation suppression is discontinued too early when lower voltage consumers are operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting the suppression discontinuation condition based on the highest operation voltage among all current consumers before operation begins. The controller is pre-programmed with voltage thresholds corresponding to different consumer requirements, allowing it to make proactive decisions about when to maintain or discontinue suppression based on predicted voltage needs, rather than reacting to actual voltage drops during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling power generation of a generator has a voltage detector and a power controller. The voltage detector detects a voltage of electric power generated in the generator. When receiving a first power control signal, the power controller controls the generator to maintain the detected voltage at a first target value. When receiving a second power control signal, the power controller controls the generator such that the power controller suppresses the power generation of the generator based on a difference between a value of the detected voltage and a second target value lower than the first target value so as to maintain the detected voltage at a predetermined value lower than the first target value. Therefore, even when the power generation is suppressed, pulsation of the generated electric power can be appropriately restrained.