Variable-Voltage Alternator Charging for 12V/48V Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
12 volt power systems are insufficient for vehicles with significant power needs, while 48 volt systems do not provide sufficient charging at low engine speeds, and combining two alternators is not feasible due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A variable voltage system that allows a single alternator to operate in both 12 volt and 48 volt modes, switching between low and high charge voltages based on engine speed and other factors to charge different storage devices efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 12 volt power system is used, then the system is simple and provides sufficient charging at low engine speeds, but the system is insufficient for vehicles with significant power needs
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator operates dynamically in two different voltage modes (12V and 48V) based on engine speed conditions. The system transitions between modes to optimize performance: 12V mode for low engine speeds and 48V mode for high engine speeds, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical output parameters of the alternator by switching between 12V and 48V charge voltages. This parameter change allows the system to provide sufficient power for high-demand vehicles when needed while maintaining simplicity during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between power capability and system complexity
2Power
If a 48 volt system is used, then the system provides sufficient power for vehicles with significant power needs, but the system does not provide sufficient charging at low engine speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator dynamically switches between 12V and 48V output modes based on engine speed. At low engine speeds where 48V charging would be insufficient, the system operates in 12V mode to ensure reliable charging. At high engine speeds where sufficient power is needed, the system switches to 48V mode, thus maintaining both power capability and charging reliability across different operating conditions
3Power
If two alternators are combined to provide both 12 volt and 48 volt charging, then both charging needs are met, but space constraints prevent this configuration
Solution Approach 1:
A single alternator is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between 12V and 48V output modes. This multi-functionality allows one alternator to replace what would traditionally require two separate alternators, meeting both charging needs while eliminating the space requirements for a dual alternator configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate alternators (12V alternator and 48V alternator) into a single variable voltage alternator. By combining these functions into one device, the system achieves the same charging capabilities without the space requirements of having two separate alternators installed on the vehicle
4Productivity
If high charge voltage is used to charge high voltage storage device, then charging efficiency is improved, but alternator overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charge voltage based on engine speed and charging conditions. At high engine speeds where the alternator can handle higher loads, the system uses 48V charging to maximize efficiency. At lower engine speeds or when thermal limits are approached, the system switches to 12V charging, which generates less heat, thus preventing alternator overheating while maintaining optimal charging efficiency when conditions permit
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 provides efficient charging at various engine speeds, utilizing the strengths of both 12 volt and 48 volt systems, reducing wiring size and heat loss, and preventing alternator overheating.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator configured to generate electric power from a rotation output of an engine
Data Source
AI summary
A charging system for a vehicle includes an alternator configured to alternately output at least a low charge voltage to charge a low voltage storage device and a high charge voltage to charge a high voltage storage device, and a switch configured to switch between at least a first switch position connecting the alternator to the low voltage storage device and a second switch position connecting the alternator to the high voltage storage device. A controller is configured to control operation of the alternator and the switch between at least a low voltage mode and a high voltage mode based on at least one of an engine RPM and a temperature. In the low voltage mode the alternator outputs the low charge voltage and the switch is in the first switch position and in the high voltage mode the alternator outputs the high charge voltage and the switch is in the second switch position.