Enhanced vehicle charging system
US5481176A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/92
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An enhanced charging system for a motor vehicle includes an alternator, a voltage regulator, and an engine controller. The voltage regulator and engine controller are connected by two circuits. One of the circuits provides the engine controller with a measure of the torque about to be applied to the engine by the alternator. The other circuit allows the engine controller to command the target voltage at which the voltage regulator is to control the alternator. The engine controller determines the target voltage based on intake air temperature, a measure of the temperature of the air at the intake of the engine. The engine controller then modifies the target voltage based on (1) whether the throttle of the engine is near wide-open-throttle; (2) whether the brakes of the vehicle are applied; and (3) whether the alternator is about to apply an increased torque to the engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.