초록 ▼

A microprocessor-based voltage regulator for an alternator reduces battery drain by removing current from the field coil during times when the alternator is not rotating, as indicated by an AC Sense signal responsive to one of the windings of the alternator prior to rectification. The field coil swi

A microprocessor-based voltage regulator for an alternator reduces battery drain by removing current from the field coil during times when the alternator is not rotating, as indicated by an AC Sense signal responsive to one of the windings of the alternator prior to rectification. The field coil switch is controlled by the microprocessor to one of four duty cycles to provide effective voltage regulation with a minimum of additional hardware. The microprocessor generates a warning signal in the event of a non-standard operating condition such as drifting voltage regulation, disconnected batteries, or thermal limits that approach shut down.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] In a voltage regulator for a generator comprising a field coil and a stator winding, said stator winding generating an AC signal when the generator is generating current, a system for controlling field coil current comprising:first means for turning on current through the field coil

[ I claim:] [1.] In a voltage regulator for a generator comprising a field coil and a stator winding, said stator winding generating an AC signal when the generator is generating current, a system for controlling field coil current comprising:first means for turning on current through the field coil;second means, responsive to the AC signal, for determining when the AC signal is absent;third means for turning off current through the field coil in response to a determination by the second means that the AC signal is absent; andfourth means, operative after the third means has turned off current through the field coil, for transferring control to the first means after a delay;said first, second, third and fourth means cooperating to turn on current through the field coil intermittently during a time period when the AC signal is absent.