Circuit for constant voltage power source

Patent · Tue Jun 10 00:00:00 EDT 1980

OSTI ID:5852795

Radtke, G W

This specification discloses a circuit for a constant voltage power source. The circuit includes a vehicle charging means, such as an alternator, which charges a main battery designed for operating main vehicle electrical loads such as a starter motor and a secondary battery, designed for operating secondary vehicle electrical loads such as electronic components particularly sensitive to voltage variations and typically requiring a constant voltage input for operation. A resistor in series with the vehicle charging means and the secondary battery limits the rate of charging of the secondary battery. The main vehicle loads can be selectively connected to the circuit for operation by the vehicle charging means and/or the main battery. A diode in series with the secondary battery prevents the secondary battery from discharging through any path but the secondary vehicle loads. The secondary vehicle loads are connected across the secondary battery but can also receive current from any of the main battery , secondary battery and the vehicle charging means. When sufficient current and voltage is not available for the secondary vehicle loads from the main battery and the vehicle charging system, such as during cold cranking of the starter motor, the needed power can be supplied from the secondary battery. This is particularly advantageous because the secondary vehicle loads can include electronic circuits necessary for proper ignition of the vehicle engine.

• Assignee: Ford Motor Co
• Patent Number(s): US 4207511
• OSTI ID: 5852795
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 15 Sep 1978
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
CONTROL SYSTEMS
VEHICLES
ALTERNATORS
BATTERY CHARGING
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
RESISTORS
SEMICONDUCTOR DIODES
STABILIZATION
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
EQUIPMENT
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
250903* - Energy Storage- Batteries- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries