FIELD OF INVENTION:

The field of invention relates to a method and system for starting an engine of a vehicle efficiently without draining the battery.

PRIOR ART:

Conventionally in vehicles the battery supplies all the loads including starter motor. Fig.1 shows the circuit configuration under conventional method. The battery current waveform shown in Fig.2 clearly depicts that the high surge current (160A) supplied by the battery and affects the battery life.

The prior art US8134343 discloses an energy storage device for storing energy for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a DC-DC converter, a plurality of capacitors connected electrically to the DC-DC converter, and a housing for containing the DC-DC converter and the capacitors. The DC-DC converter converts a voltage provided by the motor vehicle's battery to a second voltage stored by the capacitors. During an engine start cycle, energy discharges from the capacitors to the starter motor of the engine, wherein the stored voltage of the capacitors provides energy to start the engine. The capacitors are recharged by the vehicle's battery. A themrially insulated barrier separates the DC-DC converter and the capacitors. The housing may be sized and shaped substantially as that of a standard motor vehicle battery, enabling the energy storage device to be installed within the motor vehicle as a substitute for one or more of the vehicle's batteries.

The prior art US 8164206 discloses a Methods and systems for engine start control. The methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a vehicle. In one example, two or more energy storage devices are coupled in series to improve engine starting. The method and system may reduce engine starting time.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

To design an alternative power supply system for an automobile using multiple energy sources selectively used during starting of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

"SNO I PART NAME PART NO

1 Battery 1

2. Rectifier and regulator unit 2

3. Load 3

4. Ultra capacitor (UC) bank 4

5. Starter motor 5

a Controller 6

f. Switch S, S1,S2

Fig.1 shows the circuit configuration under conventional method.

Fig 2 illustrates the experimental waveforms during starting y-axis CH1:100A/div.,
CH2:5V/div, x-axis: time 1sec/div.

Fig.3 shows the circuit configuration of the hybrid scheme.

Fig 4 illustrates the experimental wavefomns during starting y-axis: CH:100A/div,
CH2:00A/div,CH3:5V/div, x-axis: time:20m.sec/div.

Fig 5 illustrates the proposed scheme during starting.

Fig. 5A shows the schematic of the proposed system.

Fig 6 illustrates the experimental waveforms during starting with UC only y-axis:
CH1:100A/div, CH2:5V/div,x-axis:time:200m.sec/div.

Fig 7 illustrates the experimental wave forms during charging of UC y-axis:
CH2:20A/div,CH3:5V/div, x-axis; time:5sec/div.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:
A new device is proposed here to reduce the starting or dynamic current surges in an automobile. Normally, in an automobile a huge starting current is required to start the engine through starter motor which is supplied by the battery. However, the batter is ideally suited to supply steady nominal current and not suited for dynamic currents.

Occurrence of the dynamic current surges reflects as burden on the engine and the Depth of Discharge (DOD) of the battery is high which affects the life of the battery. In the proposed system, an Ultra Capacitor (UC) which is best suited for supplying the surge current is employed to provide the necessary starting current. Therefore sudden surges on battery are reduced and the battery life is extended.

Fig. 5A shows the schematic of the proposed system. During starting, the switch S1 is open and S2 is closed. The huge starting current is supplied by the Ultra Capacitor (UC) bank and the battery supplies the load. Under normal condition, the S2 is kept open and the battery and UC supplies the load. The proposed circuit perform is the following functions:

1. Starts the vehicle only on Ultra Capacitor bank.

2. Battery charges the ultra capacitor bank and supplies all the vehicle loads except the starter motor.

3. The rectifier and regulation unit charges the battery.

In this case, the UC supplies the starting current and hence the DOD of the battery is low.

The proposed device, viz., the surge supporter can also provide the dynamic surge currents due to the loads. Further, the size of the battery can be reduced with an appropriate choice of rating of the surge supporter.

Apart from the above features it also contributes to the environment as it does not contain lead, a highly toxic metal, and sulfuric acid, a corrosive electrolyte solution in comparison with a battery.

In order to reduce the burden on the battery a hybrid scheme which includes both battery and UC has been introduced. Fig.3 shows the circuit configuration of the hybrid scheme.

In this case, both battery and UC supplies the starting current. This is evident from Fig. 4 that the battery supplies 53% of the starting current which corresponds to 85A while UC supplies the remaining 46.9% (75A).

Proposed Scheme:

A modification in the circuit configuration of the hybrid scheme (shown in Fig.5) with
a thyristor switch to connect and disconnect the UC leads to improvement in the proposed system. The UC which is best suited for supplying high surge currents is used to provide the necessary starting current. A controller is designed such that S1 is turned ON when UC voltage is less than 11V and S2 is OFF. When UC Is fully charged, SI is turned OFF automatically.

Starting Condition :

During the starting S1 is open and S2 is closed indicating that battery supplies the load while the starting current is supplied by UC. As seen from Fig.6 the required starting current of 160A is supplied by the UC.

Running Condition:

Once the vehicle is started, the starter motor is disconnected by opening the switch S2.
The switch SI is closed to charge the UC by battery and the UC voltage and current waveforms under this condition is shown in Fig. 7. When UC is fully charged, the current through the UC becomes zero and SI being a thyristor gets commutated naturally. Thus in this proposed method, it is ensured that battery is not subjected to high surge current and DOD is not high.

One of the preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a starter device which is a starter device in a vehicle characterized and including at least two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. The arrangement of the device is such that during the charging period, electrically coupling the First Energy Source Device to a charging means for charging the First Energy Source Device, and coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the First Energy Source Device for charging the Second Energy Source Device. The first energy source device is a battery and second energy source device is a capacitor. The arrangement of the device is further such that during discharge, staging electrically coupling the Second Energy Source Device to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the Second Energy Source Device & First Energy Source Device together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle. Furthermore the arrangement of the device is such that during discharge the current discharged by the Second Energy Source Device is much higher than current discharge by the First Energy Source Device.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a starter device which is characterized including a controller means which is a pair of 2-state switches S1 & S2 in series disposed between the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device. The arrangement is such that the First switch S1 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, and other switch S2 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, whereby during starting of vehicle switch S2 is in closed state and switch S1 is in open state thereby coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor and further later during running of vehicle switch S2 is shifted to be in open state and switch S1 is in closed state thereby coupling the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device together to the load of the vehicle.

The another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a starter device which is a starter device in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter device. The arrangement is such that during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank.

During discharge, staging electrically selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

The another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a starter device which is a starter device in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. The arrangement is such that during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank.
During discharge, staging electrically decoupling the battery bank and selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

The further embodiment of the invention discloses a starter device which is a starter device In a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. The arrangement is such that during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank.

During discharge, staging electrically decoupling the battery bank and thereafter selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

One of the preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a method for starting an engine characterized in including a starter in a vehicle including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. As per the method, during the charging period, electrically coupling the First Energy Source Device to a charging means for charging the First Energy Source Device, and coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the First Energy Source Device for charging the Second Energy Source Device. The first energy source device is a battery and second energy source device is a capacitor.

During discharge, staging electrically coupling the Second Energy Source Device to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the Second Energy Source Device & First Energy Source Device together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle. Wherein during discharge the current discharged by the Second Energy Source Device is much higher than current discharge by the First Energy Source Device.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a method discloses a control means which includes a pair of 2-state switches S1 & S2 in series disposed between the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device. As per the method, the First switch S1 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, and other switch S2 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, whereby during starting of vehicle switch S2 is in closed state and switch S1 is in open state thereby coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor and further later during running of vehicle switch S2 is shifted to be in open state and switch S1 is in closed state thereby coupling the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device together to the load of the vehicle.

The another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a method for starting an engine characterized in including a starter in a vehicle including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. As per the method, during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank.

During discharge, staging electrically selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

The another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a method for starting an engine characterized in including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. As per the method, during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank. During discharge, staging electrically decoupling the battery bank and selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

The further embodiment of the invention discloses a method for starting an engine characterized in including a starter in a vehicle including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. As per the method, during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank. During discharge, staging electrically decoupling the battery bank and thereafter selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

The important features of the proposed scheme are

1. Starts the vehicle only on Ultra Capacitor bank

2. Battery charges the ultra capacitor bank when UC voltage is less than 11 V and S2 is open and supplies all the vehicle loads except the starter motor.

In this case, the UC supplies the starting current and hence the DOD of the battery is low which extends the life of the battery. Further, the size of the battery can be reduced with an appropriate choice of rating of the surge supporter.

Apart from the above features it also contributes to the environment as it does not contain lead, a highly toxic metal, and sulfuric acid, a corrosive electrolyte solution in comparison with a battery.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to the disclosed embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific embodiments detailed are only illustrative of the invention. It should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:

1. A device for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, a First Energy Source Device, a charging means for charging the First Energy Source Device, a Second Energy Source Device coupled to the First Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device charging the Second Energy Source; characterized in the Second Energy Source Device during discharge electrically connected to starter to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter both the Second Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device electrically connected to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle to provide a steady nominal current combinedly to the load.

2. The device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the First Energy Source Device is a battery.

3. The device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the Second Energy Source Device is a capacitor.

4. The device as claimed in Claiml wherein during discharge the current discharged by the Second Energy Source Device is much higher than current discharge by the First Energy Source Device.

5. The device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a control means comprising of atleast a pair of 2-state switches S1 & S2 in series disposed between the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device such that First switch S1 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, and other switch S2 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, whereby during starting of vehicle switch S2 is in closed state and switch S1 is in open state thereby coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor and further later during running of vehicle switch S2 is shifted to be in open state and switch S1 is in closed state thereby coupling the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device together to the load of the vehicle.

6. A device for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, a First Energy Source Device, a charging means for charging the First Energy Source Device, a Second Energy Source Device coupled to the First Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device charging the Second Energy Source; characterized in the Second Energy Source Device during discharge electrically selectively connected to starter to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter both the Second Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device electrically connected to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle to provide a steady
nominal current combinedly to the load.

7. A device for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, a First Energy Source Device, a charging means for charging the First Energy Source Device, a Second Energy Source Device coupled to the First Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device charging the Second Energy Source; characterized in the First Energy Source Device during discharge electrically disconnected from the starter and Second Energy Source Device during discharge electrically selectively connected to starter to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter both the Second Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device electrically connected to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle to provide a steady nominal current combinedly to the load.

8. A device for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, a First Energy Source Device, a charging means for charging the First Energy Source Device, a Second Energy Source Device coupled to the First Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device charging the Second Energy Source; characterized in the First Energy Source Device during discharge electrically disconnected from the starter and thereafter Second Energy Source Device during discharge electrically selectively connected to starter to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter both the Second Energy Source Device and the First Energy Source Device electrically connected to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle to provide a steady nominal current combinedly to the load.

9. A method for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, comprising during charging electrically coupling the First Energy Source Device to a charging means for charging the First Energy Source Device, and coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the First Energy Source Device for charging the Second Energy Source Device; and during discharge, staging electrically coupling the Second Energy Source Device to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the Second Energy Source Device & First Energy Source Device together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

10. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the First Energy Source Device is a battery.

11. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the Second Energy Source Device is a capacitor.

12.The method as claimed in Claiml wherein during discharge the current discharged by the Second Energy Source Device is much higher than current discharge by the First Energy Source Device.

13. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a control means comprising of atleast a pair of 2-state switches SI & S2 in series disposed between the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device such that First switch S1 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, and other switch S2 coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor in series, whereby during starting of vehicle switch S2 is in closed state and switch SI is in open state thereby coupling the Second Energy Source Device to the starter motor and further later during running of vehicle switch S2 is shifted to be in open state and switch SI is in closed state thereby coupling the First Energy Source Device and the Second Energy Source Device together to the load of the vehicle.

14. A method for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, comprising during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank; and during discharge, staging electrically selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

15. A method for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, comprising during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank; and during discharge, staging electrically decoupling the battery bank and selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.

16. A method for starting an engine including a starter in a vehicle characterized in including atleast two energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter, comprising during charging electrically coupling the battery bank to a charging means for charging the battery bank, and coupling the capacitor bank to the battery bank for charging the capacitor bank; and during discharge, staging electrically decoupling the battery bank and thereafter selectively coupling the capacitor bank to provide starting dynamic current to the starter during starting of the vehicle & thereafter electrically coupling the capacitor bank & battery bank together to provide steady nominal current to a load during normal running condition of the vehicle.