Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle. The accessory drive system includes an inverter operatively connected to a direct current battery. The inverter is configured to convert the direct current from the battery into three-phase alternating current. The accessory drive system also includes a transmission having a first motor/generator operable to drive the hybrid vehicle. The first motor/generator is a Y-connected three phase motor/generator that defines a first neutral point. A second motor/generator is connected to an accessory and to the first neutral point. Output from the battery is transferable through the first neutral point to the second motor/generator such that the accessory is driven at a selectable rate.

Abstract: An electrical system for a vehicle includes a power source providing electrical power to a first and a second electrical motor. Each motor has two or more windings, and each winding has a first end and a second end. A boost link such as a battery or capacitor is configured to store electrical energy for subsequent retrieval and use by either electrical motor. A first inverter circuit includes a first grouping of switches, wherein each of the first group of switches couples one of the first ends of the windings to the power source. A second inverter circuit includes a second group of switches, each coupling one of the second ends of the windings to the boost link. A controller is coupled to activate each of the first and second groups of switches to thereby allow the electrical energy to be placed on and retrieved from the boost link.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations.

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and a final drive gearset. Two or three torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish at least one forward electric-only operating mode including a series mode, an output split mode, and at least one neutral mode including a purely neutral mode and a neutral battery charge mode. The transmission optionally includes a one-way clutch selected from the group of friction clutch and dog clutch, or is a lockable one-way clutch, for enabling low loss forward operation, regenerative braking functionality, and/or reverse vehicle operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an automotive drive system using an absolute position sensor for field-oriented control of an induction motor. An automotive drive system comprises an induction motor having a rotor, and a position sensor coupled to the induction motor. The position sensor is configured to sense an absolute angular position of the rotor. A processor may be coupled to the position sensor and configured to determine a relative angular position of the rotor based on a difference between the absolute angular position and an initial angular position obtained when the induction motor is started. A controller may be coupled to the induction motor and the processor and configured to provide field-oriented control of the induction motor based on the relative angular position of the rotor.

Abstract: Permanent magnet motors with improved torque ripple and methods for designing the same have been provided. The permanent magnet motor can include a stator having a hollow core and defining a plurality of slots; a winding disposed in each of the slots; a rotor rotatably disposed inside the hollow core of the stator; and a plurality of permanent magnets supported by the rotor. Each of the slots has a slot opening, and at least one of the slot openings can be off-center with respect to the respective slot.

Abstract: A semiconductor module comprises a housing having a cavity therein, and at least one semiconductor device residing within the cavity. A cooling system is contained within the housing and comprises a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing and a flow passageway disposed through the housing. The flow passageway is fluidly coupled to the cavity, and the cooling system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid through the flow passageway and onto the at least one semiconductor device.

Abstract: An electrical system for a vehicle includes a power source providing electrical power to a first and a second electrical motor. Each motor has two or more windings, and each winding has a first end and a second end. A boost link such as a battery or capacitor is configured to store electrical energy for subsequent retrieval and use by either electrical motor. A first inverter circuit includes a first grouping of switches, wherein each of the first group of switches couples one of the first ends of the windings to the power source. A second inverter circuit includes a second group of switches, each coupling one of the second ends of the windings to the boost link. A controller is coupled to activate each of the first and second groups of switches to thereby allow the electrical energy to be placed on and retrieved from the boost link.

Abstract: An inverter is provided for controlling application of voltage from a power source to a motor having a plurality of windings. The inverter includes a first set of one or more switching elements and a second set of one or more switching elements. The first and second sets of one or more switching elements are connected between a high voltage side and a low voltage side of the power source. Each of the first set of one or more switching elements is connected to one of a first set of nodes, where each of the first set of nodes is connected to a first winding end of one of the plurality of windings of the motor. Each of the second set of one or more switching elements is connected to one of a second set of nodes and each of the second set of nodes is connected to a second winding end of one of the plurality of windings.

Abstract: A semiconductor module comprises a housing having a cavity therein, and at least one semiconductor device residing within the cavity. A cooling system is contained within the housing and comprises a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing and a flow passageway disposed through the housing. The flow passageway is fluidly coupled to the cavity, and the cooling system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid through the flow passageway and onto the at least one semiconductor device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle. The accessory drive system includes an inverter operatively connected to a direct current battery. The inverter is configured to convert the direct current from the battery into three-phase alternating current. The accessory drive system also includes a transmission having a first motor/generator operable to drive the hybrid vehicle. The first motor/generator is a Y-connected three phase motor/generator that defines a first neutral point. A second motor/generator is connected to an accessory and to the first neutral point. Output from the battery is transferable through the first neutral point to the second motor/generator such that the accessory is driven at a selectable rate.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is adapted to supply power to one or more of the belt driven accessories of a hybrid electro-mechanical vehicle while the engine is off. Additionally, the power may be provided to multiple accessories with a single electric motor thereby saving the cost associated with manufacturing and installing a separate electric motor for each accessory. The apparatus includes an electric motor, a motor clutch, an engine clutch, and an accessory drive belt. When the engine is on, the accessory drive belt transfers torque from the engine crank shaft to the belt driven accessories. When the engine is off, the accessory drive belt transfers torque from the electric motor to the belt driven accessories.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric motor in parallel hybrid combination. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of selectively deactivatable cylinder intake and exhaust valves so that every cylinder in the engine is characterized by an inoperative condition in which corresponding intake and exhaust valves remain in a closed position irrespective of crankshaft rotation. A controller is operatively connected to the valves and configured to advantageously control the valves and render cylinders inoperative. The powertrain enables the rotor of the motor to be continuously operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine for unitary rotation therewith. The powertrain is preferably characterized by integrated friction launch wherein an active torque-transmitting mechanism controls vehicle launch.

Abstract: A differential epicyclic power train comprising a differential epicyclic gear train coupled to two or more motors. The differential epicyclic gear train sums the inputs from the motors such that the output speed is a linear function of the input speeds of the respective motors. A brake/clutch assembly may be coupled between one or both of the motors and the differential epicyclic gear train. Various combinations of brake and clutch assemblies, and high and low power motors may be employed to achieved differing output speeds and power levels. The present invention optimizes the efficiency of the single output of the differential epicyclic gear train over the speed range of the motors. The efficiency of the power train is maximized by maximizing the amount of time each motor remains in higher efficiency regions of operation by limiting the speed range of a selected one of motors. The resulting efficiency is greater than the efficiency that is produced by a single high power variable speed motor.

Abstract: The top board (12) in multi-layer printed wiring board (10) has a conductor (48) on its underside leading from the principal via (20) to small via (54). The small via is filled with resin material so that it is plated level over with copper layer (62) and solder layer (64). When leadless chip carrier (66) is attached, there is no place for the solder layer (64) to run to starve the joint to result in reliable solder attachment.