Patent ID: 6111768
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: H02J,H02P

Abstract:
A multiple voltage alternator system for directing power between an alternator, a single battery and loads connected thereto which require power at a higher DC voltage and a lower DC voltage, the system comprising:a higher DC voltage output;a lower DC voltage output;a transformer having first and second windings which allow power to flow bi-directionally therebetween, the first winding having a higher AC voltage when the second winding has a lower AC voltage;a switching controller that switches at a desired frequency;a first bi-directional converter controlled by the switching controller and connected to the higher DC voltage output and the first winding of the transformer, the first converter producing the higher DC voltage by rectifying the higher AC voltage of the first winding when power is flowing from the second winding to the first winding of the transformer and the first converter producing the higher AC voltage by chopping the higher DC voltage at the desired frequency when power is flowing from the first winding to the second winding of the transformer; anda second bi-directional converter operating synchronously with the first converter and controlled by the switching controller to switch at the same frequency as the first converter, the second converter being connected to the lower DC voltage output and the second winding, the second converter producing the lower DC voltage by rectifying the lower AC voltage of the second winding of the transformer when power is flowing from the first winding to the second winding and the second converter producing the lower AC voltage by chopping the lower DC voltage at the desired frequency when power is flowing from the second winding to the first winding of the transformer.