Abstract: The invention relates to devices and/or methods for determining the availability of electrical energy in two-energy accumulator vehicle electric systems, in which both energy accumulators, particularly batteries, can be connected to one another via a D.C. converter. The required electric energy is generated by means of a generator that is driven by a vehicle engine. The customary consumers are connected to a first consumer battery circuit (10, 24). Additional consumer, for example, high-current consumers, particularly the starter, are connected to the second battery circuit (11, 29). A control device, for example, a controller that is equipped with a microprocessor determines the availability of the electric energy and occurring faults while evaluating.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying voltage to a number of loads for example, in a vehicle includes a vehicle power supply system (6) which has at least two energy stores. A first energy store is connected in a starter circuit element (6a) to a starter (8) for starting an engine; and a second energy store is connected in a load circuit element to the load. The starter circuit element is connected to the load circuit element via a coupling element, and loads which are classified as being safety-relevant can be connected to the starter circuit element via an additional coupling element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for battery state identification. The battery state is determined by measurement of the voltage of a motor vehicle battery during the starting process over a predetermined time period, determination of a minimum voltage level of the motor vehicle battery during the predetermined time period of the measurement process, assessment of the state of charge of the vehicle battery on the basis of the minimum voltage level, and control of the generator as a function of the assessment of the state of charge of the motor vehicle battery, thus ensuring an adequate supply to the vehicle power supply system and adequate charging of the vehicle battery, while at the same time optimizing the fuel consumption and the emissions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for supplying voltage to a number of loads (2, 2?), in particular in a vehicle (36), having a vehicle power supply system (6) which has at least two energy stores (4a, 4b), a first energy store (4a) of which is connected in a starter circuit element (6a) to a starter (8) for starting an engine, and a second energy store (4b) of which is connected in a load circuit element (6b) to the load (2, 2?), with the starter circuit element (6a) being connected to the load circuit element (6b) via a coupling element (12), and in which case a number of loads (2?) which are classified as being safety-relevant can be connected to the starter circuit element (6a) via an additional coupling element (14).

Abstract: Devices and/or methods for determining the availability of electrical energy in dual energy-storing means and on-board electrical systems, in which the two energy-storing means, in particular batteries, can communicate with one another via a direct-voltage converter. The requisite electrical energy is generated by means of a generator driven by the vehicle engine. The usual consumers are connected to a first consumer battery circuit 10, 24. Further consumers, such as high-current consumers and in particular the starter, communicate with the second battery circuit 11, 29. A control unit, for instance a control unit with a microprocessor, ascertains the availability of the electrical energy and any defects that occur by evaluating various algorithms and performs the requisite triggering and signalling operations. The algorithms include threshold value statements on the availability of the electrical energy (SOCS) and threshold value statements for detecting system defects (SOHS).

Abstract: A method for determining the performance of a battery for providing a vehicle power supply system voltage for a vehicle power supply system in particular in a vehicle, is provided in order to identify the serviceability of a battery in as simple and reliable a manner as possible, in which method the vehicle power supply system voltage (U) is recorded, in which process the vehicle power supply system voltage (U) and the vehicle power supply system current (I) are monitored for an operating mode which can be predetermined within a time window (Z) which can be predetermined, such that the vehicle power supply system voltage (U) at the end of the time window (Z) exceeds a limit value (G) which can be predetermined, as a function of the vehicle power supply system current (I) which is emitted during that operating mode.

Abstract: An energy supply device for an electromagnetic valve control of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle. The supply device has a generator which can be mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine. A rectifier circuit which is assigned to the generator, has a first diode arrangement, as an anode part, and a second diode arrangement, as a cathode part, and to which a supply output is connected, and an electrical energy store. The electrical energy store is connected to the output of the third diode arrangement, and the energy supply device has a controllable DC/DC converter, which is connected on the one hand to the third diode arrangement and on the other hand to the supply output. As an alternative to the third diode arrangement, the DC/DC converter may be coupled in parallel with a voltage regulator and a diode to the first diode arrangement.

Abstract: A method for improving the exhaust gas emissions of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas catalyst, wherein the exhaust gas catalyst is heated after starting the internal combustion engine. Regulation of the power output is performed by the generator or generators during the warm-up phase of the exhaust gas catalyst. The power output of the generator or generators is regulated such that this power output is reduced during a period of time until the exhaust gas catalyst has reached a specific minimum temperature.