Voltage Regulator Startup Assist for Alternator Low Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage regulators in vehicles face challenges in providing sufficient exciting current to the alternator rotor coil, especially at low rotational speeds, due to the replacement of 3W warning lamps with lower wattage lamps or LEDs, leading to insufficient power generation.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator with a built-in startup assisting unit that generates an additional exciting current to the alternator rotor coil when the output voltage falls below a predetermined threshold, ensuring the alternator can establish voltage efficiently even at low rotational speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the warning lamp wattage is reduced or replaced with LED to lower power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the exciting current supplied to the rotor coil becomes insufficient causing the alternator unable to operate under low rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator activates the startup assisting unit before the alternator needs to generate power, using the battery to provide preliminary exciting current to the rotor coil. This preliminary action ensures sufficient magnetic field establishment even when the warning lamp consumes minimal power, enabling the alternator to start operating at low rotational speeds without compromising reliability.
2Device complexity
If the warning lamp is removed entirely and only internally generated self-exciting current is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the exciting current becomes insufficient causing the alternator unable to establish voltage under low rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two exciting current sources: the internally generated self-exciting current from the alternator and the externally supplied battery current through the startup assisting unit. This combination ensures sufficient exciting current magnitude to establish voltage at low rotational speeds while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that integrates seamlessly with existing voltage regulator components.
3Power
If the on duration of power switch is increased to boost rotor coil current, then electrical power generation is improved, but the output voltage becomes unstable and exceeds operating voltage range
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator continuously monitors the alternator's output voltage and dynamically adjusts the power switch on duration based on feedback signals. When output voltage approaches or exceeds the upper limit of the operating range, the regulator reduces the on duration to prevent overvoltage. This feedback control mechanism maintains both adequate power generation and stable output voltage within the specified operating range.
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 solution enables the alternator to quickly establish voltage and improve power generation efficiency, reducing the reliance on external warning lamps and minimizing power consumption during startup.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage detection unit is configured for operatively detecting an output voltage of the alternator to generate an enable signal
Implementation Method 2
The startup assisting unit operatively receives a supply voltage of the battery and generates a first exciting current to excite the rotor coil responsive to the enable signal
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulator, an operation method thereof, and a voltage regulating system, and a mobile vehicle are provided. The voltage regulator coupled to an alternator and a battery includes a voltage detection unit which is coupled to the alternator and a startup assisting unit. The voltage detection unit operatively generates an enable signal responsive to an output voltage of the alternator. The startup assisting unit is coupled to the alternator, the battery, and the voltage detection unit. The startup assisting unit operatively generates a first exciting current to excite a rotor coil according to the enable signal. When the voltage detection unit detects that the output voltage is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold, the voltage detection unit outputs the enable signal causing the startup assisting unit to generate the first exciting current to the rotor coil, thereby facilitating the alternator to establish voltage under low rotational speed.