초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of controlling a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine, comprising the steps of:detecting a temperature of a first component of said I.C. engine and obtaining a first detected temperature;comparing said first detected temperature with a predetermined acceptable temperature; and,disabling

1. A method of controlling a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine, comprising the steps of:detecting a temperature of a first component of said I.C. engine and obtaining a first detected temperature;comparing said first detected temperature with a predetermined acceptable temperature; and,disabling said starter/alternator when said detected temperature exceeds said predetermined acceptable temperature. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of detecting a temperature of a first component of said I.C. engine includes detecting a temperature of a battery. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said step of disabling said starter/alternator includes disabling the starter/alternator to prevent generation of electrical power by isolating a current to said starter/alternator during a generation mode of operation. 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein said step of disabling said starter/alternator includes disabling the starter/alternator to prevent cranking of said I.C. engine by isolating a current to said starter/alternator during a starting mode of operation. 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein said threshold temperature is about 60° C. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said threshold temperature is about 60° C. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of detecting the temperature of the first component of said I.C. engine includes detecting a temperature of a motor component of said starter/alternator. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said step of disabling said starter/alternator includes disabling the starter/alternator to prevent generation of electrical power by isolating a current to said starter/alternator during a generation mode of operation. 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein said step of disabling said starter/alternator includes disabling the starter/alternator to prevent cranking of said I.C. engine by isolating a current to said starter/alternator during a starting mode of operation. 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said threshold temperature is about 100° C. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein said threshold temperature is about 100° C. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of detecting a temperature of a first component of said I.C. engine includes detecting a temperature of an inverter component of said starter/alternator. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said step of disabling said starter/alternator includes disabling the starter/alternator to prevent generation of electrical power by isolating a current to said starter/alternator during a generation mode of operation. 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein said step of disabling said starter/alternator includes disabling the starter/alternator to prevent cranking of said I.C. engine by isolating a current to said starter/alternator during a starting mode of operation. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein said threshold temperature is about 100° C. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein said threshold temperature is about 100° C.