A power supply system in a vehicle having an idling stop function for executing an automatic stop and an automatic restart on an engine has a power generator, a first storage unit that can be charged with and can discharge generated power generated by the power generator, a second storage unit that can be charged with and can discharge the generated power, two paths connecting the first storage unit and the second storage unit, a switching unit including a first switch for switching one path of the two paths between a conductive condition and a non-conductive condition, and a second switch for switching another path of the two paths between a conductive condition and a non-conductive condition, and an engine restarter connected to either the first storage unit side or the second storage unit side of the switching unit in order to start the engine during the automatic restart.

A vehicle control apparatus is mounted on a vehicle, which includes an engine and a motor configured to start the engine. The vehicle control apparatus is provided with: a first controller programmed to perform a departure prevention control, which is to prevent the vehicle from departing from a driving lane, when the vehicle is about to depart from the driving lane; and a second controller programmed to perform an automatic stop control, which is to automatically stop the engine on condition that a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, and which is to operate the motor and to restart the engine on condition that a predetermined start condition is satisfied after the engine is automatically stopped. The first controller is programmed to prohibit a start of an automatic stop of the engine by the automatic stop control, when the vehicle is about to depart from the driving lane.

A vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a battery, an alternator, a starter, configured to start the internal combustion engine, a charger, distinct from the battery, and an electrical energy storage system, connected to the starter and to the charger, and distinct from the battery. To allow the engine to be started in case of a battery failure, a method for operating the vehicle comprises: starting the internal combustion engine, measuring a state of charge of the battery, comparing the measured state of charge with a predetermined threshold value, if the measured state of charge is lower than the predetermined threshold value: charging the electrical energy storage system with the charger, then starting the internal combustion engine with the starter, by powering the starter with the electrical energy storage system, when restarting the internal combustion engine is required.

A starter system including a motor, a solenoid assembly having a solenoid switch, a pinion rotated by the motor and moveable into an engaging position in which an engine may be cranked and the solenoid switch is closed to energize the motor from an electric power source, and relay switch regulated by a controller and closed to apply electrical power to the solenoid assembly for actuating the solenoid switch. The controller repeatedly opens and closes relay switch during a starting operation if sensed motor energization voltage monitored by the controller falls below a predetermined threshold level within a predetermined time period after electrical power is applied to the solenoid assembly, whereby electrical power applications to the solenoid assembly are automatically repeated during a starting operation to correct click-no-crank events and prevent prolonged power application to the solenoid assembly. A related method is also disclosed.

According to one embodiment, a heater control apparatus for a battery includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a battery which outputs electric power for a driving target, and a controller for controlling a heater which heats the battery. The controller is configured to calculate a minimum start condition corresponding to the start characteristics of the driving target, based on relationships between the remaining capacity of the battery and the temperature, and to control the heater based on the minimum start condition.

A system includes an ultra-capacitor and battery system comprising a battery, an ultra-capacitor, a DC-DC converter, a first temperature sensor to sense a battery temperature, a second temperature sensor to sense an ultra-capacitor temperature and a third temperature sensor to sense a DC-DC converter temperature. An auto stop/start module is configured to selectively stop and restart an engine of a vehicle while an ignition system is ON based on operating parameters. A temperature sensing module communicates with the auto stop/start module and is configured to determine differences between temperatures sensed by the first sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor and to selectively disable the auto stop/start module based on the differences.

A circuit for compensating for low battery voltage available to power a load includes a power source, an inductor electrically coupled to the power source, a first switch configured to control current flow from the power source to the inductor, and a first diode connecting a first supply rail to the inductor. The circuit also includes a second switch configured to electrically connect the anode of a second diode to the inductor, with the cathode of the second diode connected to a second supply rail. A controller is configured to cycle the first and second switches to achieve a desired voltage values at the first and second supply rails. The second supply rail is electrically connected to the load. The controller is configured to enable the second switch to switch to a closed state only when the voltage at the power source is below a first predetermined threshold voltage.

An electrical system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine with start/stop capability includes a primary battery connectible to an engine starter motor; a secondary battery, an alternator, and an electrical load in parallel with one another and selectively connectible in parallel with the primary battery by a charge switch; in parallel with the secondary battery, a DC/DC converter in series with a third electrical energy source; and a bypass switch operable to selectively bypass the DC/DC converter. The bypass switch allows for selective bypassing the DC/DC converter and charging/discharging of the third electrical energy source during start/stop operation, to ensure a sufficient voltage level over the additional vehicle electrical loads when the internal combustion engine and consequently the alternator are not running.

A stop-start vehicle and a method of controlling a stop-start vehicle include a controller configured to, in response to a power-reset event, inhibit an engine auto-stop function. The controller is additionally configured to, in response to a successful key start event subsequent the power-reset event, cease the inhibiting of the engine auto-stop function.

A power supply system of a motor vehicle includes a first electric system having a first motor vehicle battery and a first consumer. A second electric system includes a second motor vehicle battery and a second consumer. An autonomous switch is configured to connect and separate the first electric system and the second electric system. The autonomous switch connects the first electric system and the second electric system to one another by closing the autonomous switch if a failure or impending failure of the energy supply of the first electric system or the second electric system is detected.