Automatic alternator cut out/regen braking

[Joenavy85]

Originally Posted by some_other_dave

There are other AT-equipped vehicles that you can coast with the engine off without destroying the trans. The key words to look for in the owner's manual are "flat towing". If the car can safely be towed with all four wheels on the ground, then it is safe to coast with the engine off. If it cannot be towed with the drive wheels on the ground, you're taking chances if you do engine-off coasting.

-soD

True, i didn't even think about that, though the location of the pump could be the reasoning in those cases, checking the manual would be a good way to know for sure

[Crawrolla]

Hi everyone,

I'm new on the this site and I'm intrigued by this topic. Before I purchased my Toyota, I was looking at the Hyundai's. I was wondering how they were able to generate more horsepower and better fuel economy. I think the culprit is they have a "smart alternator". Its the same methedology you guys are trying to accomplish.

I have less than 5 post so I'm unable to attach links or pics. Google Hyundai Smart Alternator and a lot of articles will show. I couldn't whether its controlled at the alternator or a relay.

[carbloggergr]

I think that it would be much simpler to make a mechanism to enable / disable alternator manualy from a button inside the car..when battery goes empty, you enable the alternator, until it fills up

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by carbloggergr

I think that it would be much simpler to make a mechanism to enable / disable alternator manualy from a button inside the car..when battery goes empty, you enable the alternator, until it fills up

Ah, it would be simpler, but the point of this thread is how to automate the process. Why? Because the driver doesn't always remember to pay attention to the battery voltage, or the car may be borrowed by someone who doesn't know (or doesn't want to know) about any buttons that need to be pressed.

[AndrzejM]

I've read whole thread and have few ideas. First checking voltage to check if battery is drained it's great but to check what's the status during charge cycle requires to disconnect battery from the power source. But there's slightly different thing that can be done. You can measure the charging current and if it will drop below specified value you can turn off your alternator.
And another thought just to turn on alternator during engine breaking, it can be done easily with a preasure switch since during engine breaking mainfold pressure hits the lovest values. Isn't it?

I think even if the FE % gain is small it's worth to think of because every bit counts.

For sure I won't delete alternator in my Previa, because this car is used mostly for longer trips. And to carry deep cycle baterries that will last for 1000+ kilometers will kill my FE anyway But again if we could automate the process of charging battery I think I would go for it. I'll try to find out if my alternator can be easily switched off and I'll try to figure it out how to automate this process in my car.

[oldbeaver]

Originally Posted by tjts1

All new BMWs have this.
Green Car Congress: BMW Introduces Intelligent Alternator Control with Regenerative Braking; Reduces Fuel Consumption by About 4%
Pair it with a deep cycle battery and you have yourself a winner.

I agree !

Go for it and share with us all.

Oldbeaver

[deathtrain]

my idea would be to modify a smart battery tender. it already sees the battery and turns the charger on and off as needed. just need to find a way to put a relay in it big enough for an alternator relay.

altering this might be promising

http://www.electronicsforu.com/elect...tor.pdf&title=

[deathtrain]

ok I talked to an E tech and he came up with we can build a circuit that will close a relay once a lower level is hit. the only issue is that once the alternator kicks in the upper levels will trip and then the whole system will just ping pong. he said the only way is for some type of logic to control it.

Basically he said that what will happen is taht the thing will trip at a low level then by programming. the logic will start a count down. and at 0 the logic will trip back on too the battery. if the certain battery level is not right the relay will trip back and the count down will start again.

looks likes its arduino time

[oldbeaver]

Originally Posted by deathtrain

ok I talked to an E tech and he came up with we can build a circuit that will close a relay once a lower level is hit. the only issue is that once the alternator kicks in the upper levels will trip and then the whole system will just ping pong. he said the only way is for some type of logic to control it.

Basically he said that what will happen is taht the thing will trip at a low level then by programming. the logic will start a count down. and at 0 the logic will trip back on too the battery. if the certain battery level is not right the relay will trip back and the count down will start again.

looks likes its arduino time

It looks the same to me.

Even a very simple logic with Arduino will be a big step forward, as this will allow further improvement later. There are small arduinos that will be excellent for the final circuit.

Please do work on that and keep us all informed.

Oldbeaver

[drmiller100]

hook a switch to the throttle. When throttle is closed, field windings are energized.

with the same switch, turn off the power to the fuel injectors.