Intelligent Vehicle Starting and Charging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of power-consuming features in vehicles leads to substantial battery drain even when the vehicle is shut off, risking starting failure, and existing systems lack intelligent control to maintain battery health and predict starting ability effectively.
Innovation Solution
A battery starting and charging method that monitors sensor readings, determines optimal charging voltage based on battery and vehicle state, predicts starting ability, and communicates predictions to users, using a network-connected alternator to manage battery charging and health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the alternator is controlled to charge the battery to maintain starting power, then the vehicle starting reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to intelligent control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting vehicle startability before the actual start attempt and proactively adjusting alternator charging accordingly. The controller monitors battery parameters and vehicle state, then preemptively controls the alternator to charge the battery to appropriate levels, preventing starting failures before they occur rather than reacting after failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring battery parameters (voltage, current, temperature) and vehicle state, then using this information to adjust alternator charging control. The controller receives feedback from sensors and modifies charging behavior dynamically, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the alternator maintains the battery at a higher state of charge, then the battery life is extended through prevention of gassing and de-sulfation, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by charging the battery to the appropriate level rather than continuously maintaining maximum charge. The controller determines when sufficient charging has been achieved based on predicted startability and vehicle state, then reduces or stops charging, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still achieving the goal of preventing battery degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting alternator charging voltage and current based on battery state and temperature. The controller modifies charging parameters dynamically - using higher currents when battery needs charging, reducing current when battery is sufficiently charged, and adjusting voltage based on temperature to prevent gassing, thereby optimizing both battery life and energy efficiency.
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 method improves vehicle starting reliability by predicting startability, maintaining battery health, and extending battery life through intelligent charging, reducing the risk of starting failure and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle alternator can be controlled to charge the battery
Implementation Method 2
The starting ability of a vehicle is typically correlated to the vehicle's battery being able to provide the necessary starting power
Data Source
AI summary
A battery starting and charging system that monitors battery and other sensor readings; tracks vehicle state, determines a charging voltage based on battery temperature and vehicle state; sets the alternator to charge the battery with the charging voltage; determines current collected parameters based on the battery and other sensor readings; and makes vehicle start predictions based on the current collected parameters. The system can also determine whether the vehicle actually started; add the current collected parameters to a set of start events if it started, and to a set of no-start events if it didn't start. The start prediction can also be based on the sets of start and no-start events for one or multiple vehicles. The collected parameters and start predictions can also be based on collected weather data. The system can use a local interconnect network (LIN) alternator with a LIN network.