Micro-Hybrid Motor Vehicle
First Claim
1. A micro-hybrid motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an engine starter system for starting the engine wherein the engine starter system comprises an electrical starter to start the engine, a capacitor to supply electrical energy to the starter to start the engine, a generator to supply electrical energy to the capacitor to recharge the capacitor and a controller to adjust starter system parameters, wherein the controller is operable to adjust starter system parameters based upon monitored capacitor degradation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A micro-hybrid motor vehicle 2 having an engine 5 started by an electrical starter 6 is disclosed having a starter system that adaptively responds to ageing of an electrical power source such as a capacitor 12 used to power the starter motor 6 so as to maintain engine starting performance. The starter system includes a controller 20 which is programmed to increase the voltage used to charge the capacitor 12 when it is determined that the state of health of the capacitor 12 has degraded.
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Citations
27 Claims
- 1. A micro-hybrid motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an engine starter system for starting the engine wherein the engine starter system comprises an electrical starter to start the engine, a capacitor to supply electrical energy to the starter to start the engine, a generator to supply electrical energy to the capacitor to recharge the capacitor and a controller to adjust starter system parameters, wherein the controller is operable to adjust starter system parameters based upon monitored capacitor degradation.
- 20. A method of controlling operation of an internal combustion engine starter system using a capacitor as an electrical energy source for starting the internal combustion engine, the method comprising monitoring capacitor performance during starting of the engine and adjusting one or more starter system parameters to compensate for capacitor degradation.
Specification