MANAGEMENT METHOD OF AN AUTOMOTIVE ALTERNATOR AND SYSTEM

A method and system for managing an automotive alternator are described for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The alternator is controlled by an electrical control unit (ECU) designed to facilitate electrical and mechanical coupling of the alternator to a battery. The ECU receives signals from a battery charge sensor to: determine a battery charge level between: BC1 (corresponding to a fully charge condition); BC2 (corresponding to a working charge level); and BC3 (corresponding to a low charge); and acting on the alternator such that: at level BC1, the alternator is disconnected electrically and mechanically; at leve BC3, the alternator is connected electrically and mechanically; and level BC2, the alternator is coupled mechanically when the vehicle movement speed is greater than a predetermined value (V) and when the engine is disengaged to change gear, and the alternator is electrically connected when the vehicle is being driven in cut-off mode.