Method and system for managing vehicle battery charge
A method and system for protecting a vehicle battery from excessive discharge are described. The method includes monitoring vehicle conditions including determining whether safety conditions are met and whether the vehicle is stationary. Further, the method activates a power save mode based on the monitoring step. The power save mode includes simulating an ignition off condition.
1. A method for protecting a vehicle battery from excessive discharge, the method comprising:
monitoring vehicle conditions including determining whether:
safety conditions are met; and
the vehicle is stationary; and
activating a power save mode based on the monitoring step, wherein the power save mode includes simulating an ignition off condition.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising exiting the power save mode on performing one or more of the following steps:
supplying a power save mode deactivate signal;
starting the engine;
inserting a key;
activating the brake; or
changing of the ignition position.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the monitoring step further monitors whether one or more of the following conditions are met:
the brake is activated;
an occupant is present in the vehicle;
the engine is running; or
the ignition switch has been in a specified position for longer than a predetermined period of time recorded on a timer.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the timer is reset upon a determination that one or more of the following conditions is true:
the ignition position is changed; or
the brake is activated.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising activating the power save mode on receiving a power save mode activation signal.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the safety conditions include:
zero vehicle speed;
zero engine revolutions per minute; or
the brake being inactivated.
7. A system for protecting a vehicle battery from excessive discharge, the system comprising:
a monitoring module configured to monitor whether vehicle conditions are met, the conditions including:
safety conditions; and
the vehicle being stationary; and
a control module configured to activate a power save mode based on monitoring module outputs, wherein the power save mode includes simulating an ignition off condition.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising a deactivation module configured to allow exiting the power save mode upon a determination that one or more of the following conditions are true:
reception of a power save mode deactivate signal;
start of engine;
key insertion;
brake activation; or
change in ignition position.
9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the monitoring module further monitors whether one or more of the following conditions:
the brake is activated;
an occupant is present in the vehicle;
the engine is running; or
the ignition switch has been in a specified position for longer than a predetermined period of time recorded on a timer.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the timer is reset upon a determination that one or more of the following conditions is true:
the ignition position is changed; or
the brake is activated.
11. The system of claim 7 , wherein the control module activates the power save mode on receiving a power save mode activation signal.
12. The system of claim 7 , wherein the safety conditions include:
zero vehicle speed;
zero engine revolutions per minute; or
the brake being inactivated.