Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.

Abstract: A high current, light weight, thermally stable, bidirectional semiconductor switch module in an electrical system uses MOSFET technology in a back-to-back parallel architecture. The device comprises a controller which permits it to operate in high electrical noise environments. The device is further controlled to operate in either or both directions based on external events such as voltage changes associated with the electrical system and with vehicle operating conditions. The device operates at currents typically from a few amperes to 1000 amperes and may be used as a circuit breaker, over voltage switch, isolation switch, transient protection switch, and voltage converter. The device functions to replace the solenoids and relays associated with starter motors in a vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vehicle electrical system voltage regulator with improved electrical protection and warning means that discerns and responds to regulator, generator, or vehicle electrical system operation and malfunctions. The regulator includes monitoring, control, and protection circuits with a phase signal monitor, a field switching circuit that operates the field coil in response to electrical power demands, and a field enable switch in series with the field regulating switch. The phase monitor and protection circuit ascertains and transmits generator rotational motion for use by the monitoring and control circuit in discerning the various operating conditions. The monitoring and control circuit operates on the field switching circuit to meet the electrical power demands and provide multi level fault protection to include field switching circuit reconfiguration to continue operating under various fault conditions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device in a vehicle electrical system which determines the vehicle's operating conditions and facilitates the transfer of electrical energy between systems of electrical energy sources and their associated electrical loads based on the vehicle operating conditions. The device further determines the operating conditions of the systems of electrical energy sources and their associated electrical loads and facilitates the transfer of electrical energy between them in accordance with said operating conditions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vehicle electrical system voltage regulator with improved electrical protection and warning means that discerns and responds to regulator, generator, or vehicle electrical system operation and malfunctions. The regulator includes monitoring, control, and protection circuits with a phase signal monitor, a field switching circuit that operates the field coil in response to electrical power demands, and a field enable switch in series with the field regulating switch. The phase monitor and protection circuit ascertains and transmits generator rotational motion for use by the monitoring and control circuit in discerning the various operating conditions. The monitoring and control circuit operates on the field switching circuit to meet the electrical power demands and provide multi level fault protection to include field switching circuit reconfiguration to continue operating under various fault conditions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vehicle electrical system voltage regulator with improved electrical protection and warning means that discerns and responds to regulator, generator, or vehicle electrical system operation and malfunctions. The regulator includes monitoring, control, and protection circuits with a phase signal monitor, a field switching circuit that operates the field coil in response to electrical power demands, and a field enable switch in series with the field regulating switch. The phase monitor and protection circuit ascertains and transmits generator rotational motion for use by the monitoring and control circuit in discerning the various operating conditions. The monitoring and control circuit operates on the field switching circuit to meet the electrical power demands and provide multi level fault protection to include field switching circuit reconfiguration to continue operating under various fault conditions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device in a vehicle electrical system which determines the vehicle's operating conditions and facilitates the transfer of electrical energy between systems of electrical energy sources and their associated electrical loads based on the vehicle operating conditions. The device further determines the operating conditions of the systems of electrical energy sources and their associated electrical loads and facilitates the transfer of electrical energy between them in accordance with said operating conditions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a load and battery control device for controlling and distributing electrical energy in a vehicle electrical system comprising a generator, an electrical load, and a stored energy source. The device monitors and processes electrical signals generated by the vehicle electrical system and compares them to a vehicle operating state. The device operates on a switching system to controllably connect or disconnect the generator, electrical load, or stored energy source, or any combination thereof, with the vehicle electrical system to be consistent with a pre-determined vehicle operating configuration.

Abstract: A load and battery charge device in a vehicle electrical system controllably disconnects a battery or other stored energy source from the electrical system when the battery state causes the system voltage to operate below a desired threshold. The device filters generator ripple voltage during batteryless operation to maintain an acceptable ripple voltage. The load and battery control device operates to recharge the battery that is disconnected from the vehicle electrical system at a controlled voltage independent of the vehicle electrical system voltage. The load and battery control device controls the rate of battery recharge so as to avoid overburdening the vehicle electrical system and then reconnects the battery to the vehicle electrical system once the battery voltage has reached a minimum threshold.

Abstract: A load and battery charge device in a vehicle electrical system controllably disconnects a battery or other stored energy source from the electrical system when the battery state causes the system voltage to operate below a desired threshold. The device filters generator ripple voltage during batteryless operation to maintain an acceptable ripple voltage. The load and battery control device operates to recharge the battery that is disconnected from the vehicle electrical system at a controlled voltage independent of the vehicle electrical system voltage. The load and battery control device controls the rate of battery recharge so as to avoid overburdening the vehicle electrical system and then reconnects the battery to the vehicle electrical system once the battery voltage has reached a minimum threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting against battery overcharging is used with an automotive electrical system having an alternator that supplies an output voltage VOUT to a string of at least first and second series-connected rechargeable batteries, an equalizer coupled to at least the first and second batteries, and at least a higher voltage load or a lower voltage load connected across respective sets of batteries of the string. The voltage VOUT is regulated to a target value VTARGET, and this target value VTARGET is reduced when either the voltage V1 across the first battery exceeds a first threshold value T1 or when a voltage V2 across the second battery exceeds a second threshold value T2. In this way, both of the batteries are protected against over-voltage conditions. A warning signal is illuminated to indicate to a user when either of the batteries is outside of its normal operating range.

Abstract: A charge equalizer for a string of series-connected batteries includes a shunt path for each of the batteries. The equalizer measures the voltage of each of the batteries of the string and then closes a switch in the shunt path associated with the highest voltage battery for a predetermined time. Then the switches of all of the shunt paths are opened and the cycle repeats. In this way, charging is equalized in the batteries of the string, regardless of whether or not any of the batteries of the string is in an over charged condition.

Abstract: A charge equalizer for a string of series-connected batteries includes a shunt path for each of the batteries. The equalizer measures the voltage of each of the batteries of the string and then closes a switch in the shunt path associated with the highest voltage battery for a predetermined time. Then the switches of all of the shunt paths are opened and the cycle repeats. In this way, charging is equalized in the batteries of the string, regardless of whether or not any of the batteries of the string is in an over charged condition.

Abstract: An alternator generates output power at two or more independent voltages. The alternator has two independent output windings configured to generate the power needed for each output. Each output voltage is sensed by a regulator that controls switching rectifiers to supply the current needed to satisfy the electric power demand of the loads connected to each output. After both output load demands are satisfied, the regulator switches off the alternator field. When power demand from either load rises, the alternator field is switched on along with the respective switching rectifier to satisfy the power demand. The output voltage grounds and control signals may be electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: An alternator generates output power at two or more independent voltages. The alternator has two independent output windings configured to generate the power needed for each output. Each output voltage is sensed by a regulator that controls switching rectifiers to supply the current needed to satisfy the electric power demand of the loads connected to each output. After both output load demands are satisfied, the regulator switches off the alternator field. When power demand from either load rises, the alternator field is switched on along with the respective switching rectifier to satisfy the power demand. The output voltage grounds and control signals may be electrically isolated from each other.