Patent ID: 6897782
Filing Date: 2005-05-24
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. Method for monitoring thermal overload of an electric load element in a motor vehicle with further electric consumers which can be at least partially supplied with current within an operating phase, comprising: monitoring the electric load element with a controller in accordance with a calculated load temperature parameter, wherein calculating the load temperature parameter comprises, evaluating a power loss in the electric load element or a variable substantially proportional thereto during a first operating phase of the controller to calculate the load temperature parameter during the first operating phase, supplying substantially no current to the electric load element during one or more stand-by phases of the controller between the first operating phase and a second operating phase, so an evaluation of the load temperature parameter is not possible, and evaluating at least one first parameter which characterises the switching-on instant of the controller after the controller has been switched on in the second operating phase thereof to calculate the load temperature parameter at the switching-on instant.