Abstract: A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit (12), included in a motor vehicle micro-hybrid system, is disclosed. The storage unit is suitable for performing the functions of an alternator, starter and automatic stop-restart of the vehicle heat engine, regenerative braking and torque assistance. The energy storage unit (12) is a plurality of supercapacitor elementary cells connected in series (C1 to C10) and capable of delivering information (Vmax, Temp and DeltaV) on its internal status. The method includes various stages of: comparing a maximum elementary voltage (Vmax) with a first voltage threshold (Vmax1); comparing a temperature (Temp) with at least one temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.); and, deciding on limitations of the availability of functions of the unit when the (Vmax) information reaches threshold (Vmax1) for a predetermined duration (T) and/or when the (Temp) information reaches the temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.).

Abstract: A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit (12), included in a motor vehicle micro-hybrid system, is disclosed. The storage unit is suitable for performing the functions of an alternator, starter and automatic stop-restart of the vehicle heat engine, regenerative braking and torque assistance. The energy storage unit (12) is a plurality of supercapacitor elementary cells connected in series (C1 to C10) and capable of delivering information (Vmax, Temp and DeltaV) on its internal status. The method includes various stages of: comparing a temperature (Temp) with at least one temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.); and, deciding on limitations of the availability of functions of the unit when the (Temp) information reaches the temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.).

Abstract: A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit (12), included in a motor vehicle micro-hybrid system, is disclosed. The storage unit is suitable for performing the functions of an alternator, starter and automatic stop-restart of the vehicle heat engine, regenerative braking and torque assistance. The energy storage unit (12) is a plurality of supercapacitor elementary cells connected in series (C1 to C10) and capable of delivering information (Vmax, Temp and DeltaV) on its internal status. The method includes various stages of: comparing a temperature (Temp) with at least one temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.); and, deciding on limitations of the availability of functions of the unit when the (Temp) information reaches the temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.).

Abstract: A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit (12), included in a motor vehicle micro-hybrid system, is disclosed. The storage unit is suitable for performing the functions of an alternator, starter and automatic stop-restart of the vehicle heat engine, regenerative braking and torque assistance. The energy storage unit (12) is a plurality of supercapacitor elementary cells connected in series (C1 to C10) and capable of delivering information (Vmax, Temp and DeltaV) on its internal status. The method includes various stages of: comparing a maximum elementary voltage (Vmax) with a first voltage threshold (Vmax1); comparing a temperature (Temp) with at least one temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.); and, deciding on limitations of the availability of functions of the unit when the (Vmax) information reaches threshold (Vmax1) for a predetermined duration (T) and/or when the (Temp) information reaches the temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.).

Abstract: A method for using an electromagnetic retarder of the type that comprises a current generator. The method relates to an electromagnetic retarder including a stator bearing the primary coils (8) of a current generator and a rotary shaft (7) bearing the secondary windings (5) of the generator and field coils (13) which are electrically powered by the secondary coils (5) via a current rectifier (15) borne by the rotary shaft (7). The method consists in injecting a direct current into the primary coils (8), the direct current having an intensity that increases gradually up to a nominal value over a pre-determined minimum period. The method is suitable for electromagnetic retarders which are intended for vehicles such as trucks.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electromagnetic retarder comprising a current generator into which an excitation current is injected. The method consists in determining a maximum allowable intensity (Im) of the excitation current to be injected into the stator primary coils of the retarder which includes a shaft bearing secondary windings and field coils which are supplied by the secondary windings, said primary coils and secondary windings forming the generator. The retarder includes a jacket inside which the field coils generate Foucault currents and a circuit for the liquid cooling of said jacket. More specifically, the method consists in determining the maximum allowable intensity in real time, such as to reach a critical temperature of the cylindrical jacket and determining said critical temperature taking account of a temperature value of the coolant. The method is suitable for retarders that are intended for vehicles such as heavy vehicles.

Abstract: A method for detecting a malfunction in an electromagnetic retarder. More specifically, the method relates to a retarder comprising: stator primary coils (8); a control unit (19) for injecting a current into the primary coils (8), the current having an intensity corresponding to an intensity set value (Ci); a sensor (21) which delivers a signal that is representative of an effective intensity value (Ie) of the current passing through the primary coils (8); and a shaft (7) bearing secondary windings (5) defining several phases and field coils (13), as well as a current rectifier (5) which is disposed between the secondary windings (5A, 5B, 5C) and the field coils (13). The method consists in comparing the intensity set value (Ci) and the effective intensity (Ie) in the control unit (19) in order to identify a fault in the event that the intensity set value (Ci) and the effective intensity (Ie) differ by an amount greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electromagnetic retarder. More specifically, the method relates to determining, in a control unit, a maximum allowable intensity (Im) of an excitation current to be injected into an electromagnetic retarder (1). The retarder includes a shaft bearing secondary windings (5) and field coils (13) which are supplied by the secondary windings (5), the primary coils (8) and secondary windings (5) forming a generator. The retarder also includes a jacket (9) inside which the field coils (13) generate Foucault currents and a circuit for the liquid cooling of said jacket. The method consists in determining the maximum intensity in real time from data and values that are representative of the speed of rotation of the rotary shaft, the heat load that the cooling circuit can dissipate and the flow rate (D) of the coolant. The method is suitable for electromagnetic retarders which are intended for vehicles such as heavy vehicles.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electromagnetic retarder from a control unit said retarder including an electrical generator. The inventive method is used to determine an excitation current intensity to be injected into the primary coils of the generator of the retarder, said retarder including a rotary shaft bearing the secondary windings of the generator a n d field coils which are supplied b y the secondary windings. The rotation speed of the rotary shaft is taken into account in order to select a lower intensity if the rotation speed of the shaft is higher. The invention is suitable for use in the field of electromagnetic retarders which are intended for heavy vehicles such as trucks.