An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.

Provided is a vehicle generator control method. An engine ECU controls the generator according to an operating condition of the engine, and the control process is as follows: when the engine ECU determines that the engine is in a starting condition, the engine ECU controls a generator separately excited loop to be disconnected, so that the generator does not generate electricity; and when the engine ECU determines that the engine enters an idling condition, the engine ECU controls the generator separately excited loop to be closed, so that the generator is started to generate electricity, and after the generator is started to generate electricity, the generator carries out normal electricity generation until the engine stops operating. Through the vehicle generator control method, the starting load of the engine can be effectively reduced, and cold starting capacity is improved. Also provided is a vehicle generator control system.

Systems and methods for implementing a start-stop feature on a vehicle powered at least in party by an internal combustion engine are described. The method includes receiving, at an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, an indication that the vehicle is in line at a drive-thru. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, a number of start-stop events anticipated during the drive-thru. The method includes determining, by the ECU, an approximate stop time for each of the number of start-stop events. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, that a battery of the vehicle has enough remaining charge to power a plurality of vehicle components during implementation of the start-stop feature. The method includes implementing, by the ECU, the start-stop feature in which the internal combustion engine is turned off for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stopped.

Provided is a vehicle generator control method. An engine ECU controls the generator according to an operating condition of the engine, and the control process is as follows: when the engine ECU determines that the engine is in a starting condition, the engine ECU controls a generator separately excited loop to be disconnected, so that the generator does not generate electricity; and when the engine ECU determines that the engine enters an idling condition, the engine ECU controls the generator separately excited loop to be closed, so that the generator is started to generate electricity, and after the generator is started to generate electricity, the generator carries out normal electricity generation until the engine stops operating. Through the vehicle generator control method, the starting load of the engine can be effectively reduced, and cold starting capacity is improved. Also provided is a vehicle generator control system.

A method of enabling operation of an ignition system for outdoor power equipment may include monitoring status of a plurality of switches associated with respective components of the equipment where at least one of the respective components corresponds to one or more binary start fault operators, and setting a start enabling status for the one or more 5 binary start fault operators responsive to actuation of a start fault clearance operator.

An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.

A method can be used for controlling for engine running. An input unit receives required power data. A controller executes one among a first control for running an engine, a second control for keeping on running the engine, and a third control for stopping the engine, according to the required power data, to drive the engine. The battery is discharged or charged under control of the controller.

A vehicle includes an engine and at least one controller. The at least one controller periodically determines an estimated current to be demanded by vehicle electrical loads during an auto stop of the engine, compares the estimated current with a threshold current, and inhibits an auto stop of the engine if the estimated current is greater than the threshold current for a predetermined period of time.

A vehicle includes an engine, an alternator, and a battery bank electrically connected to the alternator via a connection line. The connection line includes a current sensor configured to measure an electrical current through the connection line. The vehicle also includes a start-stop system configured to determine, during a time when the engine is off, that a voltage of the battery bank is below a first threshold value for a first predetermined period, provide a control signal to a starter to start the engine to initiate charging of battery bank, determine, by the current sensor, that the electrical current is below a second threshold value, and in response to the determination, provide a control signal to turn the engine off to terminate the charging of the battery bank.

Systems and methods for implementing a start-stop feature on a vehicle powered at least in party by an internal combustion engine are described. The method includes receiving, at an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, an indication that the vehicle is in line at a drive-thru. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, a number of start-stop events anticipated during the drive-thru. The method includes determining, by the ECU, an approximate stop time for each of the number of start-stop events. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, that a battery of the vehicle has enough remaining charge to power a plurality of vehicle components during implementation of the start-stop feature. The method includes implementing, by the ECU, the start-stop feature in which the internal combustion engine is turned off for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stopped.