Voltage regulator with improved field coil current control system and warning system
US5907233A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 25, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02P9/305
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A microprocessor-based voltage regulator for an alternator reduces battery drain by removing current from the field coil during times when the alternator is not rotating, as indicated by an AC Sense signal responsive to one of the windings of the alternator prior to rectification. The field coil switch is controlled by the microprocessor to one of four duty cycles to provide effective voltage regulation with a minimum of additional hardware. The microprocessor generates a warning signal in the event of a non-standard operating condition such as drifting voltage regulation, disconnected batteries, or thermal limits that approach shut down.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.