Prime-mover dynamo plants – Miscellaneous – Drive gearing
Patent
1993-06-25
1994-08-09
Gaffin, Jeffrey A.
Prime-mover dynamo plants
Miscellaneous
Drive gearing
290 51, 322 7, H02P 904, F02D 2906
Patent
active
053369327
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD
The invention relates to a computer-based method for controlling a generator associated with an internal combustion engine, more specifically the method controls the generator such that it is operated to supply energy in accordance with predetermined operating conditions of the internal combustion engine as specified in an engine consumption characteristic map.
BACKGROUND
Modern motor vehicles driven by an internal combustion engine have, associated with them, a generator which is used to supply power for electrical current-consuming equipment, such as for example, lights, a radio, power windows, etc. In addition, a battery is provided to insure that sufficient power is available in times of peak power demand. Accordingly, the battery must be recharged periodically. Recharging is especially necessary after the battery is used to power the starter during the engine start -up procedure. The energy required for recharging the battery increases the fuel consumption of the motor vehicle.
Japanese patent abstract Volume 10, No. 381 (M-547) (2438) and JP-A-61-171839 disclose a method for controlling the generator associated with an internal combustion engine, wherein the generator is operated only during specific operating conditions of the internal combustion engine. Specifically, the generator is operated only when a "partial-lean control" cannot be effected.
French Patent document FR-A 2 495 384 discloses a vehicle battery charging circuit having a detector and a switch for selectively coupling/decoupling a generator (which is used for charging the battery) in accordance with either the charge state of the battery or predetermined engine operating conditions. Once the battery is fully charged, the detector generates an interrupt in the circuit. The interrupt shuts off the generator output to the battery thereby reducing the power taken by the generator which, in turn, improves the average efficiency of the engine. The switch is coupled to the throttle pedal in a manner such that the generator is permitted to charge the battery only at low throttle openings.
In spite of the methods and apparatus for controlling the operation of a generator disclosed in the prior art, there still remains a need to further reduce the total fuel consumption required to generate electrical energy in a motor vehicle.
THE INVENTION
Objects
It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a method for controlling the operation of a generator for charging a battery of a motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel consumption required for power generation is reduced.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method for controlling a generator of the type herein described wherein the generator is selectively operated for charging the battery in accordance with selected operating points of the internal combustion engine as determined from an engine characteristic map stored in a memory associated with a microprocessor-based control unit for the engine.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, drawings and appended claims.
SUMMARY
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generator is caused to be electrically connected or disconnected from a load circuit depending on an operating point of the internal combustion (IC) engine as defined by an engine consumption characteristic map. In this manner, the power generated by the generator is synchronized with the operating point of the engine.
The engine consumption characteristic map comprises a series of lines which represent constant specific fuel consumption values, usually indicated in g/kWh, plotted against the engine's rotational speed and torque. A specific fuel consumption value is defined as the amount of fuel required to generate 1 kWh. An example of such an engine consumption characteristic map is found in Bosch's Automotive Engineering Handbook, 1984, 19th edition, page 269.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4062419 (1977-12-01), Kodota
patent: 4187436 (1980-02-01), Etienne
patent: 4699097 (1987-10-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 4877273 (1989-10-01), Wazaki et al.
patent: 5077516 (1991-12-01), Meyer
Bosch's Automotive Engineering Handbook, 1986, 2nd Edition, p. 269 (English translation of 1984 German Edition).
Bosch's Automotive Engineering Handbook, 1984, 19th Edition, p. 269.
Audi AG
Dulin Jacques M.
Gaffin Jeffrey A.
Hoover Robert Lloyd
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