Vehicle Power Supply Voltage Regulation via Generator Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power supply systems face issues with rapid fluctuations in power supply voltage, leading to annoying flickering of headlights and momentary vehicle deceleration due to varying engine torque, resulting in increased fuel consumption and potential equipment operation problems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-use power supply system that regulates the power supply voltage and torque by controlling the electric generator's output within predetermined ranges, using a power supply control apparatus to manage charge/discharge power and torque, ensuring stable voltage and minimizing engine speed variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electric generator produces higher electrical power to meet increased equipment demands, then the electrical power output is improved, but the engine fuel consumption increases due to higher torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the battery during periods when engine torque is abundant (such as during engine deceleration or high-power output periods) before electrical power is needed. This allows the generator to charge the battery in advance when fuel consumption is already high, and then the stored energy is used later when power is needed, effectively decoupling immediate power demand from immediate fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the electric generator and the electrical equipment. Instead of directly connecting the generator to all electrical loads, the battery mediates the power flow, allowing the system to smooth out power demands and optimize when the generator operates, thereby reducing overall fuel consumption while still meeting peak power requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the generator output power is increased to reduce fuel consumption by optimizing charge timing, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the power supply voltage fluctuates rapidly with large-scale variations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the power supply voltage and battery charge state, and adjusts the generator output accordingly. When voltage deviations are detected, the controller modifies the generator's electrical output to counteract the deviation, ensuring voltage remains stable while still optimizing charging operations for fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the generator's output characteristics based on real-time operating conditions. Rather than operating at fixed output levels, the generator's electrical output is continuously modulated to match both the power needs of electrical equipment and the charging requirements of the battery, maintaining voltage stability while optimizing fuel consumption across varying operating conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the battery charging is optimized to minimize fuel consumption during specific periods, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the engine speed varies significantly causing momentary deceleration or acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging action during periods when the engine is producing excess power (such as during deceleration or high-load periods) before additional power is needed. By charging the battery in advance during these naturally high-power periods, the system avoids creating additional torque demands that would disrupt engine speed, while still capturing energy that would otherwise be wasted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and stores energy that would otherwise be discarded during engine deceleration or high-power periods. By capturing this excess energy to charge the battery, the system converts what would be wasted energy into useful stored energy, reducing the need for future fuel consumption while maintaining smooth engine operation, as the charging occurs during periods when the engine already has surplus power capacity.
4Productivity
If the generator torque load is adjusted to control battery charge state, then battery charging efficiency is improved, but the vehicle experiences momentary acceleration or deceleration due to load torque changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary torque adjustment by gradually increasing the generator's torque demand before significant battery charging is needed. This allows the engine to anticipate and prepare for the increased load, smoothing the transition and avoiding sudden torque changes that would cause vehicle acceleration or deceleration. The torque ramp-up is timed to coincide with periods when the engine has sufficient power reserve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances the generator torque demand against the engine's available power capacity and the battery's charging needs. Rather than applying fixed or aggressive torque demands to maximize charging speed, the torque adjustment is continuously adapted to maintain smooth vehicle operation while still achieving efficient battery charging, optimizing the trade-off between charging productivity and operational smoothness.
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 reduces fuel consumption, minimizes flickering of headlights, and maintains stable engine operation by controlling power supply voltage and torque fluctuations, ensuring efficient battery charging and reduced engine speed variations.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator (102) for supplying electrical power via the bus to the battery (108) and the electrical load (107)
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply control apparatus for controlling an electric generator of a vehicle limits the rate of change of a power supply voltage to a predetermined variation rate range, when the change is caused by operations to control the charge condition of the vehicle battery, and controls the generated power to match the drive torque applied by the engine to the generator. When the electrical load demand changes, the generated power is controlled to limit a resultant momentary change in the power supply voltage caused by an engine response delay, while minimizing a resultant momentary amount of engine speed variation.