Alternator Control

Alternator Control

The Alternator Control function allows for the Elite ECU to control the charging voltage of alternator that supports this function. This is done with a duty signal that is sent to the voltage regulator to alter the charging rate. A Target Voltage is set and the duty controlled in closed-loop to maintain charging at this target.


Wiring Tab

Connections

Alternator Control Output

Select an available output wire, typically a DPO (Digital Pulsed Output) that will be connected to the regulator.

Active State

Controls the direction of duty used to open or close the solenoid. Low will close the solenoid with 0% duty and open the solenoid with 100% duty. High will close the solenoid with 100% duty and open the solenoid with 0% duty. (Default = Low)

Alternator Control Tab

Frequency

The frequency at which the duty signal will operate. Typically a value around 250 to 300Hz is used. (Default = 300)

Min Duty

The Minimum Duty that can be commanded by the Alternator Control. This should be set to a value below which there is no response. (Default = 0)

Max Duty

The Maximum Duty that can be commanded by the Alternator Control. This should be set to a value above which there is no response. (Default = 100)

Proportional, Integral, Derivative

This allows mapping of the PID system, which controls the responsiveness of the Alternator Control system. In simple terms the Proportional controls how fast the system will respond relative to how far it is from the target. The Integral is how aggressive the Proportional changes are. Derivative is used to slow down overshooting the target if the Proportional has been aggressively tuned. (Default P = 90, I = 40, D = 0)

Related Tables

Alternator Control – Target

The Target Voltage that you wish to have the Alternator Control aim for. Up to 2D mapping is available. Typically this will be 13.8 to 14.4V. Too low will not charge the battery, and too high can cause battery damage.

Alternator Control – Base

The amount of duty required to have the Battery Voltage meet the Target Voltage. Up to 2D mapping is available. The alternator control operates in closed loop, so it is possible the actual duty being used by the Elite ECU may not match the Base Duty value. If not the Base Duty should be adjusted to be as close as possible to normal operating duty.