Variable Alternator Control for Idle Booming and Overvoltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alternators in vehicles face issues with idle booming and overvoltage due to fixed responsiveness settings, leading to performance deterioration and failure in diagnosis, especially when transitioning from full-load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable alternator control system that adjusts responsiveness based on engine states, using a controller to calculate a target generation rate and adjust power generation modes between idle and driving regions, employing LIN communication and PI control to prevent RPM oscillations and overvoltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the responsiveness of the alternator is adjusted to be high, then the voltage control responsiveness is improved, but RPM oscillation occurs during idle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the alternator's responsiveness adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the responsiveness parameter based on engine operating conditions (idle vs. non-idle states), allowing the system to optimize voltage control responsiveness when needed while maintaining RPM stability during idle operation. This is achieved through a variable gain parameter that is modified based on engine state detection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the responsiveness of the alternator is adjusted to be low, then RPM oscillation during idle is reduced, but voltage overshoot occurs after full-load conditions are released
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the alternator's responsiveness parameter based on real-time detection of engine operating conditions. When the engine is in idle state, a lower responsiveness value is applied to prevent RPM oscillation. When the engine transitions to non-idle states or experiences load changes, the responsiveness is increased to prevent voltage overshoot and maintain accurate voltage control. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between idle stability and voltage control accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a fixed responsiveness setting is used in the alternator control, then the control system is simple, but it causes both idle booming and overvoltage issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adjusts the alternator's responsiveness parameter based on engine operating conditions. The control unit monitors engine state (idle vs. non-idle) and modifies the responsiveness parameter accordingly. This adds minimal complexity to the control system while significantly improving voltage control reliability by preventing both idle booming and overvoltage conditions that occur with fixed responsiveness settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the responsiveness parameter based on engine operating conditions. The control unit detects whether the engine is in idle state and adjusts the responsiveness parameter value accordingly - using a lower value during idle to prevent booming and a higher value during non-idle operation to maintain accurate voltage control and prevent overshoot. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between system simplicity and control reliability.
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 mitigates idle booming and overvoltage issues, ensuring stable voltage control and enabling accurate failure diagnosis by dynamically adjusting alternator responsiveness according to engine conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An alternator is one of components of the charging apparatus. Typically, generator type alternators, which produce direct current using a commutator, have been used. However, recently, as the semiconductor technology continues to evolve, alternators which produce alternating current (AC) and convert the current into direct current using a diode have been used.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for variably controlling an alternator is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that determines a state of an engine of a vehicle and calculates a target generation rate. An alternator generates electricity based on the target generation rate and produces generation power. The alternator also variably adjusts responsiveness to the generation based on the determination of the state of the engine and a battery is configured to be charged by the generation power.