Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on battery voltage or battery current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on starter/alternator motor phase voltage or motor phase current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Abstract: The system is directed to preserve the starter/alternator in an IC engine installation from potential overload and failure in response to electrical load increases. The system controller monitors starter/alternator output and phase current and regulates output voltage when monitored currents reach predetermined thresholds. Output voltage is stepped down incrementally to check output currents at threshold non-failure creating levels. When current demand, i.e., load, decreases, output voltage is stepped up incrementally to return to an original set point for voltage.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and is capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and an electronic controller provided for controlling the starter/alternator assembly. The starting apparatus further comprises an engine speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of the engine that is electrically connected to the electronic controller. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the engine directly sensed by the engine speed sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on either belt/chain tensioner position or the position of the belt/chain itself to determine when the IC engine has achieved self-sustaining operation and signal the starter/alternator to transition from start-up to generator mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preserving a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine system installation from repeated operation in the starter mode by detecting and preventing an I.C. engine stall by disabling the generator function of the starter/alternator. The system describes a method of comparing the detected rotational speed of the starter/alternator in generator mode with a reference rotational incipient stall speed of the system I.C. engine. If the I.C. engine speed falls below a threshold stall speed, the generator function of the starter/alternator is disabled. In addition, a second detected speed of the I.C. engine is detected following the disabling of the generator function to determine if the I.C. engine has resumed an engine speed above a second threshold speed, whereupon the generating function is restored.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a component of an I.C. engine system by controlling a starter/alternator in response to the component's temperature. The system describes a method of comparing the temperature of the component to a predetermined threshold temperature and, if the temperature exceeds the threshold, disabling the starter/alternator. According to the present invention the temperature of the vehicle battery, starter/alternator motor and starter/alternator inverter may be protected. The starter/alternator is controlled/disabled according to mode of operation.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and a starter/alternator speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of a rotor of the starter/alternator machine that is electrically connected to the starter/alternator inverter. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the starter/alternator machine directly sensed by the starter/alternator speed sensor.

Abstract: The system is directed to preserving an IC engine installation from potential overload and failure in response to electrical load increases passed along by an associated engine driven digitally controlled starter/alternator. The system controller monitors starter/alternator output and phase current and/or regulates the rate of change of output current in response to increasing electrical load. In an instance where monitored rates of output current change exceed predetermined thresholds, the response rate of the starter/alternator, i.e., rate of change of output current, is set at a predetermined threshold so as to prevent the braking effect of the increasing electrical load from stalling the I.C. engine or causing other operational failure.

Abstract: A system of preserving a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine system installation from excessive operation in the starter mode is disclosed. The system describes a method of comparing the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C. engine in starter mode first to each other and then, if the same, to a predetermined threshold speed. If an overspeed condition is detected, disabling the starter/alternator in starter mode. In addition, if a predetermined number of I.C. engine start sequences have occurred without successful I.C. engine operation, the starter mode is disabled for a predetermined period of time. If several start failures have been detected, the starter/alternator can be disabled until a repair of the I.C. engine fault can be made. Where the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C.

Abstract: The system is directed to preserving an IC engine installation from potential overload and failure in response to electrical load increases passed along by an associated engine driven digitally controlled starter/alternator. The system controller monitors starter/alternator output and phase current and/or regulates the rate of change of output current in response to increasing electrical load. In an instance where monitored rates of output current change exceed predetermined thresholds, the response rate of the starter/alternator, i.e., rate of change of output current, is set at a predetermined threshold so as to prevent the braking effect of the increasing electrical load from stalling the I.C. engine or causing other operational failure.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and a starter/alternator speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of a rotor of the starter/alternator machine that is electrically connected to the starter/alternator inverter. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the starter/alternator machine directly sensed by the starter/alternator speed sensor.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and is capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and an electronic controller provided for controlling the starter/alternator assembly. The starting apparatus further comprises an engine speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of the engine that is electrically connected to the electronic controller. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the engine directly sensed by the engine speed sensor.

Abstract: A system of preserving a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine system installation from excessive operation in the starter mode is disclosed. The system describes a method of comparing the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C. engine in starter mode first to each other and then, if the same, to a predetermined threshold speed. If an overspeed condition is detected, disabling the starter/alternator in starter mode. In addition, if a predetermined number of I.C. engine start sequences have occurred without successful I.C. engine operation, the starter mode is disabled for a predetermined period of time. If several start failures have been detected, the starter/alternator can be disabled until a repair of the I.C. engine fault can be made. Where the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C.

Abstract: The method is directed to preserve the starter/alternator in an IC engine installation from potential failure owing to insufficient electrical charge in the system energy storage device. The system controller monitors starter/alternator controller signals relating to energy storage device charge level and whether the starter/alternator is available for operation. When monitored charge is detected to be insufficient to operate the starter/alternator, the starter/alternator is disabled and the system controller provides this information to the vehicle operator as a warning signal that the starter/alternator is disabled. Once the operator has effected a remedy (i.e., recharging or replacing the energy charging device), the starter/alternator is again made available for operation.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for controlling a switched reluctance motor are provided. The control circuit includes a tone wheel and a Hall effect sensor for generating a position feedback signal indicative of the position of the motor. The control circuit also includes a sensing resistor for generating a current feedback signal indicative of a level of current in a phase coil of the motor. Finally, the control circuit includes first and second switches connected to opposite ends of the phase coil for controlling the level of current in the phase coil responsive to the position feedback signal and the current feedback signal.