Under voltage protection for a starter/alternator
AssigneeDana Corporation
InventorScott Evart Blackburn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The method is directed to preserve the starter/alternator in an IC engine installation from potential failure owing to insufficient electrical charge in the system energy storage device. The system controller monitors starter/alternator controller signals relating to energy storage device charge level and whether the starter/alternator is available for operation. When monitored charge is detected to be insufficient to operate the starter/alternator, the starter/alternator is disabled and the system controller provides this information to the vehicle operator as a warning signal that the starter/alternator is disabled. Once the operator has effected a remedy (i.e., recharging or replacing the energy charging device), the starter/alternator is again made available for operation.
Claims4
A method of preventing a starter/alternator from initiating a starting sequence for an associated IC engine in a system that includes an energy storage device, a starter/alternator, and an IC engine, comprising the steps of:
- monitoring the available voltage of the energy storage device;
- comparing said monitored voltage to a predetermined threshold voltage;
- disabling the starter/alternator in a starter mode when said voltage is below said predetermined threshold voltage, thereby disabling said starting sequence of said associated IC engine and preserving electrical energy in said energy storage device;
- providing an indication signal of said disabling of said starter/alternator;
- and
- re-enabling operation of said starter/alternator when said monitored voltage exceeds said predetermined threshold voltage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.