Abstract: A vehicle includes first loads, a power source, and a processor coupled to the power source. Each of the first loads is configured to generate a fault signal indicative of an occurrence of an action performed by said first load to mitigate a voltage transient event. The processor is configured to, in response to a second different load being electrically coupled to the power source: control a voltage available within the power source based on calibration parameters; and in response to receiving the fault signal, adjust at least one of the calibration parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle includes first loads, a power source, and a processor coupled to the power source. Each of the first loads is configured to generate a fault signal indicative of an occurrence of an action performed by said first load to mitigate a voltage transient event. The processor is configured to, in response to a second different load being electrically coupled to the power source: control a voltage available within the power source based on calibration parameters; and in response to receiving the fault signal, adjust at least one of the calibration parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a controller that reduces a voltage setpoint of an alternator by a predetermined amount in response to a magnitude of electric charge provided by the alternator during a predetermined time period exceeding a first threshold and a rate of change of power output by the alternator exceeding a second threshold during the time period. The controller also regulates an output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for power management in a vehicle having two or more alternators. An example vehicle power system includes first and second alternators, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine that a load coupled to the first and second alternators increases at greater than a threshold rate. The processor is also configured to responsively (i) reduce respective voltage setpoints of the first and second alternators, and (ii) turn off the second alternator. And the processor is further configured to, after determining that a voltage transient caused by the load has expired, turn on the second alternator.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for power management in a vehicle having two or more alternators. An example vehicle power system includes first and second alternators, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine that a load coupled to the first and second alternators increases at greater than a threshold rate. The processor is also configured to responsively (i) reduce respective voltage setpoints of the first and second alternators, and (ii) turn off the second alternator. And the processor is further configured to, after determining that a voltage transient caused by the load has expired, turn on the second alternator.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a controller that reduces a voltage setpoint of an alternator by a predetermined amount in response to a magnitude of electric charge provided by the alternator during a predetermined time period exceeding a first threshold and a rate of change of power output by the alternator exceeding a second threshold during the time period. The controller also regulates an output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint.

Abstract: A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.

Abstract: A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.

Abstract: A fault detection method is disclosed for a motor vehicle charging system including a generator and an electrical component coupled to receive electrical current from the generator. In one embodiment, the method comprises sensing a first voltage at an output of the generator and sensing a second voltage at the electrical component and, if the first voltage and the second voltage differ by more than a predetermined amount, reducing or suspending output of electrical current from the generator. One advantage of the method disclosed herein is in its ability to diagnose a fault in an electrical connection at the output of a motor vehicle generator, where the fault manifests itself as a high resistance connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical generating system for a motor vehicle includes a first alternator and a second alternator. The first alternator includes a first plurality of electrical power output windings, a first field winding in electromagnetic communication with the first plurality of electrical power output windings and a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator further includes an electrical driver coupled to the first field winding to control a current through the first field winding. The second alternator includes a second alternator further including a second plurality of electrical power output windings and a second field winding in electromagnetic communication with the second plurality of electrical power output windings. The said second field winding is coupled to the electrical driver for control of electrical current through the second field winding by the electrical driver.