The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 29, 2013
Filed:
Jan. 15, 2010
Brenton J. Bergkoetter, Milford, MI (US);
William L. Aldrich, Iii, Davisburg, MI (US);
Goro Tamai, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Brenton J. Bergkoetter, Milford, MI (US);
William L. Aldrich, III, Davisburg, MI (US);
Goro Tamai, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method for controlling a low-voltage circuit of a vehicle having a generator includes monitoring operating conditions of the vehicle and determining whether surplus generator load is available. Available surplus generator load is captured and used to power the low-voltage circuit. The low-voltage circuit may include a low-voltage battery, which may be charged with the surplus generator load. The surplus generator load may be utilized for anti-sulfation of the low-voltage battery. The method is usable with both a hybrid vehicle and a conventional vehicle. The method may further include powering the low-voltage circuit with energy stored in the low-voltage battery as a result of charging the low-voltage battery with the surplus generator load.