FUNCTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS
| Component | Function | |
|---|---|---|
| ECM |
|
|
| Generator Assembly | IC Regulator | Receives request voltage command signals from the ECM and charges the battery. |
| Battery State Sensor Assembly | Outputs the state of the battery based on the input/output current, voltage, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), SOH (State of Health), SOF (State of Function) and self-diagnosis results to the ECM via LIN communication. | |
| Battery | Supplies power to the electrical components such as the blower motor, wiper, lights and each ECU. | |
*: Wipers operating, blower motor operating, or taillight switch on, etc.
SYSTEM CONTROL
The ECM and generator assembly sends and receives signals via LIN communication (bidirectional multiplex communication) to accurately adjust the voltage generated by the generator assembly.
The battery state sensor assembly detects the battery temperature and outputs the value to the ECM, and the ECM judges whether to enter the generator operates in constant voltage mode based on the value.
Charging control selects an optimal control mode according to the battery status and vehicle conditions. The provided control modes are basic control mode, supplementary charging mode and refresh charging mode.
Basic Control Mode
The ECM decreases the generated voltage during acceleration and increases the generated voltage during deceleration in order to optimize power generation by the generator assembly. As a result, engine load is reduced and fuel economy is enhanced.
When the engine is idling or the vehicle is being driven at a constant speed, the ECM adjusts the generated voltage to make the current integrated value* as close to the target value as possible.
*: The current integrated value is calculated based on the battery input/output current detected by the battery state sensor assembly.
Supplementary Charging Mode
This mode charges the battery using constant voltage generation if the battery capacity is low.
Tech Tips
Basic control mode is used when the battery capacity is a specified amount or more.
Refresh Charging Mode
This mode suppresses decreases in the battery lifespan by regularly* performing constant voltage generation to charge the battery. Also, the operation time of constant voltage generation is longer in this mode compared to supplementary charging mode.
*: When a total of approximately 30 hours has elapsed with the engine switch turned on (IG).
Tech Tips
Constant voltage generation is also performed when the battery capacity is low after the battery is replaced or the vehicle is left for a long period of time.
Protection Control
When the following judgment conditions are met according to the battery state and electrical load operation situation, charging control is canceled and the generator operates in constant voltage mode.
| Judgment Condition | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Battery capacity is low | If the battery condition is poor, basic control mode is canceled to prevent the battery capacity from dropping. In addition, if the battery fluid temperature is too low or too high, the battery may deteriorate faster than usual or become depleted. |
| Battery fluid temperature is too low or too high | |
| Certain electrical components are operating*1 | The voltage generated by the generator assembly fluctuates due to charging control. To prevent unstable operation of electrical components due to voltage fluctuation*2, basic control mode is temporarily canceled. |
*1: Wipers operating, blower motor operating over high load, or taillight switch on, etc.
*2: A steady supply of power is required for the electrical components to operate normally.