Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

William Taylor

Stuart C Salter

Ross Dykstra Pursifull

Paul Kenneth Dellock

David Brian Glickman

Zeljko Deljevic

Hanyang B Chen

Daniel J Martin

Phillip Marine

John Eric Rollinger

Alexander O'Connor Gibson

Vince Paul Solferino

David Hancock

Mark Edward Shields

Nancy Gagnon

An AC inverter in a vehicle operates using a 24 V input when a vehicle powertrain is in a parked/idling state. A first 12 V battery is connected with a first bus segment. A second 12 V battery is connected with a second bus segment. A switch module selectably interconnects the first and second bus segments. In a nominal 12 V state, the batteries are connected in parallel from the bus segments to ground. In a dual voltage state, the batteries are connected in series so the first bus segment is at 12 V and the second bus segment is at 24 V. A first alternator driven by the powertrain provides a regulated voltage to the second bus segment, wherein the regulated voltage corresponds to 12 V when the switch module is in the nominal state and corresponds to 24 V when the switch module is in the dual voltage state.

Method of onboard AC power generation for vehicles with combustion engine

Methods and systems are provided for controlling power generation in a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes a controller coupled to an auxiliary device through a communication link, the auxiliary device drawing power from a generator at a power interface. Power supplied to the auxiliary device is regulated by the controller through signals transmitted over the communication link.

Method for auxiliary load control

A method for operating a vehicle that includes a DC/DC converter is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting an output voltage of the DC/DC converter after the DC/DC converter is used to crank an engine. The output voltage of the DC/DC converter may be adjusted responsive to a state of charge of an ultra-capacitor.

Methods and system for cranking an engine via output of a DC/DC converter

An AC inverter in a vehicle operates using a 24V input when a vehicle powertrain is in a parked/idling state. A first 12V battery is connected with a first bus segment. A second 12V battery is connected with a second bus segment. A switch module selectably interconnects the first and second bus segments. In a nominal 12V state, the batteries are connected in parallel from the bus segments to ground. In a dual voltage state, the batteries are connected in series so the first bus segment is at 12V and the second bus segment is at 24V. A first alternator driven by the powertrain provides a regulated voltage to the second bus segment, wherein the regulated voltage corresponds to 12V when the switch module is in the nominal state and corresponds to 24V when the switch module is in the dual voltage state.

Onboard AC generator for power-to-the-box in vehicles with combustion engine

Methods and systems are provided for controlling operation of an engine of a vehicle to supply power to a power box that in turn supplies power to loads external to the vehicle. In one example, a method comprises, responsive to a request by an operator to operate an engine to power one or more loads external to the vehicle, monitoring an engine temperature and issuing an alert requesting the operator to take mitigating action to reduce the engine temperature when the engine temperature reaches a threshold temperature, and controlling a cooling fan as a function of whether or not the mitigating action is taken. In this way, fuel economy may be improved and power supply to power external loads may be optimized.

Systems and methods for controlling engine operation to support external electric loads

Systems and methods are provided for cooling an alternator using a fan that is operationally independent of the alternator and a duct system that at least partially surrounds the alternator. Example vehicles include an alternator cooling system that comprises a fan configured to be operationally independent of the alternator and disposed adjacent to an end of the alternator, and a duct system encasing the end of the alternator. The vehicles further include a control module configured to control operation of the fan based on one or more inputs related to operation of the alternator. Example methods include receiving, at a processor, an input related to operation of the alternator; determining, based on the input, that a preset condition has been met, using the processor; and responsive thereto, generating a control signal to adjust an operating speed of the fan.

Growing community of inventors

Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America

William Taylor