Method for controlling a generator
First Claim
1. A computer-based method for controlling a generator associated with an internal combustion engine wherein the generator is operated to provide electric power only during specific operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) storing an engine consumption characteristic map in a ROM, said engine consumption characteristic map having a first family of curves representing identical specific fuel consumption and a second family of curves representing identical power output;
b) inputting to a control module a plurality of signals which represent a plurality of engine operating parameters;
c) selecting an engine operating point from said engine consumption characteristic map corresponding to said signals input to said control module;
d) determining from said selected engine operating point a power consumption value corresponding to the amount of fuel required to activate said generator; and
e) selectively activating and deactivating said generator in dependence of said determined power consumption value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for controlling a generator associated with an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle such that the generator is connected to provide electricity only under specific operating conditions. The method includes the following steps: (1) inputting engine consumption characteristic map values for various engine operating parameters to a logic module; (2) determining an operating point of the engine as defined by the operating map; (3) determining whether or not the operating point is less than or equal to a predetermined value; (4) connecting the generator to a load circuit associated with the motor vehicle if the operating point is at or falls below the predetermined value; and (5) disconnecting the generator from the load circuit if the operating point is greater than the predetermined value.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A computer-based method for controlling a generator associated with an internal combustion engine wherein the generator is operated to provide electric power only during specific operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) storing an engine consumption characteristic map in a ROM, said engine consumption characteristic map having a first family of curves representing identical specific fuel consumption and a second family of curves representing identical power output; b) inputting to a control module a plurality of signals which represent a plurality of engine operating parameters; c) selecting an engine operating point from said engine consumption characteristic map corresponding to said signals input to said control module; d) determining from said selected engine operating point a power consumption value corresponding to the amount of fuel required to activate said generator; and e) selectively activating and deactivating said generator in dependence of said determined power consumption value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification