System and method for electric current and power monitoring and control of a generator

Abstract

A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.

1 . A vehicle electrical system comprising:
 (a) means to generate a first signal indicative of a rotational speed of an engine coupled with a generator included in the vehicle;   (b) means to generate a second signal indicative of a rotational speed of the generator; and   (c) a control device responsive to the first and second signal and operative to at least one of (i) limit and cease a total electrical output current generated by the generator, via a generator output power controller, and (ii) generate an error signal indicative of a fault condition, when a ratio of the rotational speed of the generator and engine substantially differs from a predetermined value.