Patent ID: 7342382

Claim:
An automated method of controlling a starter/alternator in a start-up sequence of an IC engine driven generating system including a battery and a starter/alternator controller, said starter/alternator controller performing the automated method comprising the steps of: detecting a first value of a battery electrical characteristic; initiating a start-up sequence of said IC engine by signaling said starter/alternator to operate in starter mode; detecting a second and third value of said battery electrical characteristic as said start-up sequence is proceeding, said second value indicating an engine cranking condition and said third value indicating an engine running condition prior to cessation of said starter/alternator operating in starter mode; comparing said first, second, and third detected battery characteristic values; and, signaling said starter/alternator to cease operation in starter mode and, immediately thereafter, transition to alternator/generator mode when said second detected value is between said first and third detected values.