Smart alternator method and apparatus for optimizing fuel efficiency and monitoring batteries in an automobile
First Claim
1. A method for optimizing battery performance in an automobile having an alternator and a battery, comprising the steps of:
- monitoring state of charge of the battery;
setting state of charge limits; and
turning off the alternator if the state of charge exceeds the state of charge limits.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an alternator (605) by turning it ON or OFF depending upon the battery conditions and the operating conditions of the automobile monitored by various sensors (606, 609 and 611). By allowing the batteries of the automobile (610), controlled by a battery control unit (608), to charge and discharge based on its state of charge (SOC), the load imposed by the alternator (605) can be reduced such that the fuel efficiency of the automobile is optimized. By setting SOC limits, the alternator (605) can be turned ON or OFF, using an alternator control unit (604), depending on whether the SOC of the batteries is within the SOC limits. In addition, power loading limits can be preset so that the alternator (605) can be turned ON or OFF depending on the power loading conditions. The alternator (605) may be turned ON or OFF, using an alternator control unit (604), based on other conditions as well. Limits on idling speed, cruise speed, accelerating and decelerating conditions can also be preset. The alternator (605) can be turned ON or OFF based on whether the preset limits are exceeded. Since the alternator is only turned ON when needed, unnecessary charging is eliminated and the batteries of the automobile (610) operate at optimal efficiency. As a result, battery operation and fuel efficiency of the automobile are optimized.
27 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for optimizing battery performance in an automobile having an alternator and a battery, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring state of charge of the battery; setting state of charge limits; and turning off the alternator if the state of charge exceeds the state of charge limits. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for optimizing battery performance in an automobile having an alternator and a battery, comprising the steps of:
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turning on the alternator if state of charge of the battery is less than a minimum state of charge; turning on the alternator if power loading of the battery exceeds a maximum power load; and turning on the alternator if deceleration of the automobile exceeds a preset limit. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for optimizing battery performance in an automobile having an alternator and a battery, comprising:
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a state of charge sensor for monitoring state of charge of the battery, the state of charge sensor being coupled to the battery; a alternator control for turning the alternator on/off, the alternator control being coupled to the alternator; and a setting control for setting state of charge limits; the alternator being turned off if the state of charge exceeds the state of charge limits. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification