Method and system for controlling an alternator to optimize direct current output

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
For use with an alternator having a stator winding including a plurality of coils and a first output and a second output, the alternator further having a first rectifier connectable to the first output to form a first winding configuration enabling all of the plurality of coils and a second rectifier connectable to the second output to form a second winding configuration enabling a portion of the plurality of coils, a method for controlling the alternator to optimize DC output current comprising: generating a speed signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the alternator; and coupling one of the first and second rectifiers to one of the first and second outputs respectively in response to said speed signal so as to maximize the output current of the alternator and keep output voltage substantially constant.
2.
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein coupling includes comparing the speed signal with a predetermined speed range.
3.
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein coupling includes coupling the first rectifier to the first output in response to the speed signal being less than the predetermined speed range.
4.
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein coupling includes coupling the second rectifier to the second output in response to the speed signal having a value exceeding the predetermined speed range.
5.
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the alternator includes at least one switch operatively coupled between the first and second rectifiers and wherein coupling includes switching the switch.
6.
The method as recited in claim 2 wherein a combination of the first and second rectifiers with the first and second outputs form a third winding configuration enabling a second portion of the plurality of coils and wherein coupling includes coupling the first and second rectifiers to the first and second outputs to form the third winding configuration when the speed signal has a value within the predetermined speed range so as to maximize output current of the alternator at intermediate alternator speeds