Method of supplying electric current, method of starting internal combustion engine, power supply apparatus, and vehicle

A method of starting an internal combustion engine on a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

• (a) discharging an electric current from a storage battery and an electric double-layer capacitor to a starter generator to actuate said starter generator for thereby starting said internal combustion engine on said vehicle;
• and
• (b) thereafter, rotating said starter generator with said internal combustion engine which is started, to generate electric power to invert a current flowing direction, for thereby charging said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor;
• wherein said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor are connected in parallel to each other.

A power supply apparatus comprising:

• a storage battery and an electric double-layer capacitor which are connected in parallel to each other;
• an electric load for being supplied with electric power which is discharged from said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor;
• an electric generator for charging said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor;
• and
• a connection switching device connected between said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor, and said electric load and said electric generator;
• wherein said connection switching device connects said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor to said electric load to supply electric power from said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor to said electric load, and thereafter charges said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor with electric power from said electric generator when said electric generator starts to generate electric power.

A power supply apparatus comprising:

• an internal combustion engine for producing propulsive forces;
• a lead storage battery and an electric double-layer capacitor which are connected in parallel to each other;
• a starter motor for starting said internal combustion engine with electric power supplied thereto which is discharged from said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor;
• an electric generator for being rotated by said internal combustion engine to generate electric power for charging said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor;
• a connection switching device connected between said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor, and said electric load and said electric generator;
• and
• a controller for controlling a connected state of said connection switching device;
• said controller comprising:
• idling stop means for stopping said internal combustion engine under a predetermined idling stop condition;
• and
• restarting means for instructing said connection switching device to supply electric power from said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor to said starter motor under a predetermined restarting condition;
• wherein when said restarting means judges that said predetermined restarting condition is satisfied, said connection switching device connects said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor to said starter motor to supply electric power which is discharged from said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor to said starter motor to start said internal combustion engine, and thereafter charges said storage battery and said electric double-layer capacitor with electric power from said electric generator when said electric generator starts to generate electric power.