Engine Cranking System and Method
First Claim
1. A vehicle comprising:
- an engine;
a motor connected to the engine, the motor being operable for selectively cranking and starting the engine;
an energy storage system (ESS) having a first voltage level; and
a supercapacitor module having a second voltage level;
wherein the module is chargeable to the second voltage level by the ESS when the engine is running; and
wherein the module is disconnectable from the ESS to thereby deliver the second voltage level to the motor for cranking and starting the engine.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle has an engine, a starter motor, an energy storage system (ESS) for powering an auxiliary system, and a supercapacitor module for powering the starter motor during engine cranking and starting. The supercapacitor module disconnects from the starter motor to recharge. A DC-DC booster converter increases the level of voltage supplied from the ESS so as to charge the supercapacitor module to a relatively higher voltage level, such as approximately 125 to 140 percent of the voltage level supplied by the ESS. A method for preventing voltage sag in an auxiliary system of the vehicle includes disconnecting the supercapacitor module from the starter motor when the engine is running, and then charging the supercapacitor module using the ESS until a cranking support voltage equals a stored target voltage. A detected commanded cranking and starting of the engine causes the connection of the supercapacitor module to the starter motor.
16 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A vehicle comprising:
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an engine; a motor connected to the engine, the motor being operable for selectively cranking and starting the engine; an energy storage system (ESS) having a first voltage level; and a supercapacitor module having a second voltage level; wherein the module is chargeable to the second voltage level by the ESS when the engine is running; and wherein the module is disconnectable from the ESS to thereby deliver the second voltage level to the motor for cranking and starting the engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for preventing voltage sag during engine cranking and starting in a vehicle having an engine, a DC starter motor, a battery having a first voltage level, and a DC-DC converter, the apparatus comprising:
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a first and a second switch; a supercapacitor module which is electrically connected to the battery and adapted for providing a second voltage level for exclusively powering a cranking and starting of the engine; and a controller having an algorithm for selectively opening and closing the first and the second switches; wherein closing the first switch connects the supercapacitor module to the starter motor to thereby allow the supercapacitor module to deliver the second voltage level to the starter motor, thereby cranking and starting the engine exclusively using the second voltage level; and wherein closing the second switch connects the battery to the starter motor, thereby cranking and starting the engine using at least the first voltage level. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for preventing voltage sag in an auxiliary system of a vehicle having an engine, a starter motor, an energy storage system (ESS) having a first voltage, and a supercapacitor module electrically connectable to the ESS, the method comprising:
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disconnecting the supercapacitor module from the starter motor when the engine is running; charging the supercapacitor module until a second voltage stored by the supercapacitor module is equal to a stored target voltage; detecting a commanded cranking and starting of the engine; and connecting the supercapacitor module to the starter motor when the commanded cranking and starting of the engine is detected, thereby starting the engine.
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12. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
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detecting an engine temperature; and using the second voltage and the first voltage to crank and start the engine when the engine temperature exceeds a stored threshold temperature. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification