SYSTEM CONTROL
Charging control is performed by the ECM.
The ECM decreases the generated voltage during acceleration and increases it during deceleration in order to reduce the amount of engine load caused by the generator assembly, thus improving fuel efficiency.
The ECM detects the electrical load condition (air conditioning system, wiper system, taillight switch on, etc.).
The battery state sensor assembly detects the condition of the auxiliary battery and transmits this information to the ECM. Based on this signal, the ECM makes a judgement about the condition of the auxiliary battery.
Based on the electrical load condition and the condition of the auxiliary battery, the ECM calculates the voltage to request and sends a generated voltage adjustment signal to the generator assembly.
During idling and when driving at a constant speed, the ECM adjusts the generated voltage to bring the current integrated value* closer to the target value.
Tech Tips
*: Integrated value of the auxiliary battery input/output current as detected by the battery state sensor assembly.
FUNCTION
The ECM communicates with the generator assembly via LIN communication, sending and receiving multiple signals in order to finely control the voltage generated by the generator assembly.
The battery state sensor assembly detects the temperature of the auxiliary battery and sends a signal to the ECM to enable judgement of the conditions for entering constant voltage generation mode.
FAIL-SAFE
Due to fail-safe operation, when a sensor malfunctions, basic control is stopped and the system enters constant voltage generation mode. Also, even outside of auxiliary charging mode, due to operating circumstances such as auxiliary battery condition and electrical load, basic control may be stopped and the system may enter constant voltage generation mode.
| Judgement Condition | Reasoning | Vehicle Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Low Auxiliary Battery Capacity | If the auxiliary battery state is bad, the basic control discontinues, and the decrease in auxiliary battery capacity is prevented. If auxiliary battery temperature is too low or high, that case becomes cause of auxiliary battery capacity decrease or auxiliary battery lifetime decrease. | "Basic Control Stops" to "Constant Voltage Generation Mode" |
| Low or High Auxiliary Battery Temperature | ||
| Wipers Operating, Blower Motor Operating (Over High Load), or Taillight Switch On | The generated voltage changes due to charging control. As this can impact the operation of electrical devices, the system temporarily stops basic control to prevent any perceived abnormality in the operation of these devices. | |
| Each Sensor Malfunction | In case of sensor malfunction, basic control discontinues, to prevent auxiliary battery capacity decrease. | "Basic Control Stops" to "Constant Voltage Generation Mode (Autonomous Generation Mode*)" |
| Generator Assembly Malfunction | In case of generator assembly malfunction, basic control discontinues, to prevent auxiliary battery capacity decrease and to protect the auxiliary battery. | |
| Communication Failure (LIN Communication between the Generator Assembly, ECM and the Battery State Sensor Assembly) | In case of LIN communication failure between ECM to generator assembly or to battery state sensor assembly, basic control discontinues, to prevent auxiliary battery capacity decrease and to protect the auxiliary battery. |
Tech Tips
*: In this mode, voltage is generated at a constant level using the IC regulator function built into the generator assembly.