An engine of a hybrid vehicle is lift started by reducing a rotational speed of a motor/generator of the hybrid vehicle by adjusting a gearshift ratio of a transmission coupled to the motor/generator, and engaging a clutch to couple the engine, while in a stopped state, to the rotating motor/generator for imparting the rotation to the engine.

Engine starting control device for a hybrid vehicle

A vehicle driving force control apparatus controls a control torque command of an electric motor based on a power supplying condition of an electric power source. The power source supplies electric power to the electric motor that drives at least one wheel of the vehicle. An electric power supplying status detecting section determines an electric power supplying capacity of the electric power source based on the power supplying condition of the power source, while an electric motor torque control section controls the control torque command of the electric motor based on the power supplying condition determined by the electric power supplying status detecting section. Preferably, an internal combustion engine that drives at least one other wheel also drives a generator that acts as the power source of the electric motor. The vehicle driving force control apparatus is especially useful in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Vehicle driving force control apparatus

A system is provided to instruct a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle how optimally to use electric propulsion from a rechargeable energy storage device to reach an electric recharging station, while maintaining as high a state of charge (SOC) as desired along the route prior to arriving at the recharging station at a minimum SOC. The system can include the step of calculating a straight-line distance and/or actual distance between an orientation point and the determined instant present location to determine when to initiate optimally a charge depleting phase. The system can limit extended driving on a deeply discharged rechargeable energy storage device and reduce the number of deep discharge cycles for the rechargeable energy storage device, thereby improving the effective lifetime of the rechargeable energy storage device. This “Just-in-Time strategy can be initiated automatically without operator input to accommodate the unsophisticated operator and without needing a navigation system/GPS input.

Self-learning control system for plug-in hybrid vehicles

A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to a transmission operative in one of a plurality of operating range states to transfer power between the engine and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, monitoring barometric pressure and engine input speed to the transmission, determining an achievable range of input power transferable from the engine to the transmission based upon the barometric pressure and the engine input speed, and determining a preferred operating range state for the transmission and a preferred engine operating point at the preferred operating range state based upon the operator torque request and the achievable range of input power.

Method for altitude-compensated transmission shift scheduling

A control device for a hybrid vehicle includes an actual intake gas negative pressure detection unit which detects an intake air negative pressure for the engine, an estimated intake gas negative pressure calculation unit which estimates an intake air negative pressure based on a revolution number of the engine and an opening degree of a throttle, and an engine control unit which compares an actual intake gas negative pressure obtained by the actual intake gas negative pressure detection unit with an estimated intake gas negative pressure obtained by the estimated intake gas negative pressure calculation unit. The engine control unit prohibits a fuel supply to the engine until the actual intake gas negative pressure matches the estimated intake gas negative pressure, and carries out the fuel supply to the engine when the actual intake gas negative pressure matches the estimated intake gas negative pressure.

Control device for hybrid vehicle

A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine controllably coupled to road wheels of the vehicle by a clutch, and having a turbocharger that is operated only when extra power is needed for a extended time, a traction motor coupled to road wheels of said vehicle, a starting motor coupled to the engine, both motors being operable as generators, a battery bank for providing electrical energy to and accepting energy from said motors, and a microprocessor for controlling these components, is operated in different modes, depending on its instantaneous torque requirements, the state of charge of the battery bank, and other operating parameters. The mode of operation is selected by the microprocessor in response to a control strategy.

Hybrid vehicles incorporating turbochargers

A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.

Hybrid vehicle configuration

A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (40) controllably coupled to road wheels (34) of the vehicle by a clutch (51), a traction motor (25) coupled to road wheels of said vehicle, a starting motor (21) coupled to the engine, both motors being operable as generators, a battery bank (22) for providing electrical energy to and accepting energy from said motors, and a microprocessor (48) for controlling these components is operated in different modes, depending on the vehicle's instantaneous torque requirements, the state of charge of the battery bank, and other operating parameters. The mode of operation is selected by the microprocessor in response to a control strategy resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced emission. The engine may be fitted with a turbocharger (100) operated in response to a control signal for extended high-load operation.

Engine start and shutdown control in hybrid vehicles

Fuel economy and emission improvements have been demonstrated with the application of hybrid electric drive systems to a variety of vehicle types. These include hybrid systems known as integrated starter alternator, mild hybrids, and heavy hybrids. The fuel economy and emission improvements for the integrated starter alternator and mild hybrid applications have been demonstrated through the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. Heavy hybrids applications consist of a significantly smaller engine assisted by a high peak power electric motor to provide additional power to the engine for acceleration and recovery of a higher degree of braking energy. Light trucks, vans, and SUV’s typically have a large difference between the gross combined weight of the vehicle and the fuel economy test weight. Heavy hybrid powertrains offer significant fuel economy and emission improvements in this type of application. This paper will explore the application of heavy hybrid powertrains to light trucks, vans, and SUV’s.

Fuel Economy and Performance Impact of Hybrid Drive Systems in Light Trucks, Vans & SUV's

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved hybrid electric vehicle which realizes drastically increased fuel economy and reduced discharge of fouling substances. SOLUTION: The hybrid electric vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine, a 1st electric motor capable of starting the internal combustion engine, a 2nd electric motor which is operative as an electric motor for applying a torque to wheels and a generator receiving a torque from the wheels, a battery bank for supplying currents to the 1st and 2nd electric motors and receiving a charging current from at least the 2nd electric motor, and a controller for controlling flows of electric and mechanical powers to and from the internal combustion engine and 1st and 2nd electric motors, the controller operating the internal combustion engine when the torque generated by the internal combustion engine is equal to a set value for efficient generation to drive the vehicle or drive the vehicle and/or drive one or both of the 1st and electric motors to charge the battery bank. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Alex J. Severinsky

Papers

Hybrid vehicles incorporating turbochargers

Hybrid vehicle configuration

Engine start and shutdown control in hybrid vehicles

Fuel Economy and Performance Impact of Hybrid Drive Systems in Light Trucks, Vans & SUV's

Hybrid vehicle and control method thereof