Abstract: A system and method of determining a vehicle route based on user-provided trip constraints. The method includes the steps of: receiving user trip parameters for a vehicle trip from a vehicle user via a human-machine interface, wherein the vehicle trip includes a start location and an end location, and wherein the user trip parameters include a nausea reduction option; accessing geographical roadway map data for an area corresponding to the vehicle trip; determining a plurality of potential routes for the vehicle trip based on the user trip parameters and the geographical roadway map data; determining a cumulative nausea index score for each of the potential routes; and selecting one of the potential routes as the vehicle route for the vehicle trip based on the cumulative nausea index score.

Abstract: A powertrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine that is selectively coupled to a driveline. The engine is configured to operate in a coasting mode, wherein the coasting mode includes operating the powertrain system with the engine in an OFF state and decoupled from the driveline. Devices are configured to monitor an output torque request, vehicle speed, and vehicle operating conditions. An executable instruction set monitors the vehicle speed and the output torque request. The engine is controlled to operate in the coasting mode when the output torque request is within the predetermined torque region and the vehicle speed is greater than a minimum speed threshold. The engine is controlled to discontinue operating in the coasting mode in response to the output torque request being outside the torque region of the vehicle speed being less than a minimum speed threshold.

Abstract: A powertrain system is described and includes an internal combustion engine that is coupled to an electric machine that is electrically connected to a DC power source, and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine and the electric machine, and is in communication with the vehicle and the DC power source. Control includes dynamically monitoring vehicle speed and a state of charge (SOC) of the DC power source, and transitioning to operating the electric machine in an alternator emulating mode when the SOC is less than a first SOC threshold. The first SOC threshold is determined based upon the vehicle speed. The DC power source is electrically connected to an on-vehicle auxiliary power system, which includes operating the electric machine in an electric power generating state to generate sufficient electric power to service the auxiliary power system.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a vehicle route based on user-provided trip constraints. The method includes the steps of: receiving user trip parameters for a vehicle trip from a vehicle user via a human-machine interface, wherein the vehicle trip includes a start location and an end location, and wherein the user trip parameters include a nausea reduction option; accessing geographical roadway map data for an area corresponding to the vehicle trip; determining a plurality of potential routes for the vehicle trip based on the user trip parameters and the geographical roadway map data; determining a cumulative nausea index score for each of the potential routes; and selecting one of the potential routes as the vehicle route for the vehicle trip based on the cumulative nausea index score.

Abstract: A powertrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine that is selectively coupled to a driveline. The engine is configured to operate in a coasting mode, wherein the coasting mode includes operating the powertrain system with the engine in an OFF state and decoupled from the driveline. Devices are configured to monitor an output torque request, vehicle speed, and vehicle operating conditions. An executable instruction set monitors the vehicle speed and the output torque request. The engine is controlled to operate in the coasting mode when the output torque request is within the predetermined torque region and the vehicle speed is greater than a minimum speed threshold. The engine is controlled to discontinue operating in the coasting mode in response to the output torque request being outside the torque region of the vehicle speed being less than a minimum speed threshold.

Abstract: A method for optimizing an engine idle speed in a vehicle having an engine, a motor generator unit (MGU), and an energy storage system (ESS) includes determining vehicle operating values, including at least one of: an electrical load of an accessory, a torque capacity of the MGU, a temperature of the MGU, an efficiency of the MGU, and a state of charge (SOC) of the ESS. The method also includes calculating a set of engine speed values using the set of vehicle operating values, and using a controller to command the engine idle speed as a function of the set of engine speed values. A vehicle includes an engine, an ESS, an MGU, and a controller having an algorithm adapted for optimizing an idle speed of the engine as set forth above.

Abstract: A hybrid controller for controlling a hybrid vehicle is set forth. The hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric motor and an engine controller determining a crankshaft torque. The hybrid controller includes an optimization module determining an electric motor torque, determining an engine torque and communicating the engine torque from the hybrid controller to the engine controller. The hybrid controller also includes a motor control module controlling the electric motor based on the electric motor torque.

Abstract: A method of modifying the charging target for the state-of-charge (SOC) of a hybrid vehicle battery in response to a sudden power draw includes determining that the hybrid vehicle has entered a steep grade environment, adjusting a power management scheme of the hybrid vehicle from a standard charging mode to an aggressive charging mode, and operating the hybrid vehicle operated using the adjusted power management scheme. The charging target may include both an immediate charging target and an ultimate charging target, where the immediate charging target is less than the ultimate charging target, and where adjusting a power management scheme from a standard charging mode to an aggressive charging mode includes increasing the immediate charging target.

Abstract: A minimum torque module selectively determines a first minimum propulsion torque based on second and third minimum propulsion torques when a torque converter clutch is in unlocked and locked states, respectively. A zero pedal torque module selectively sets a zero pedal torque equal to the first minimum propulsion torque. A pedal request module determines a pedal torque request based on an accelerator pedal position, a vehicle speed, and the zero pedal torque. A driver request module determines a driver axle torque request based on the pedal torque request. A shaping module selectively shapes the driver axle torque request into a shaped driver axle torque request. A conversion module converts the first minimum propulsion torque into a minimum axle torque. A final driver request module sets a final driver axle torque request equal to a greater of the shaped driver axle torque request and the minimum axle torque.

Abstract: A method of modifying the charging target for the state-of-charge (SOC) of a hybrid vehicle battery in response to a sudden power draw includes determining that the hybrid vehicle has entered a steep grade environment, adjusting a power management scheme of the hybrid vehicle from a standard charging mode to an aggressive charging mode, and operating the hybrid vehicle operated using the adjusted power management scheme. The charging target may include both an immediate charging target and an ultimate charging target, where the immediate charging target is less than the ultimate charging target, and where adjusting a power management scheme from a standard charging mode to an aggressive charging mode includes increasing the immediate charging target.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain includes an engine start detector that detects when an engine of the hybrid powertrain is activated via an electric motor during an auto start. An electric motor speed monitor determines a first speed of the electric motor for a first time and a second speed of the electric motor for a second time after detection of the engine in an active state. A control module determines a rate of change in speed of the electric motor based on the first speed and the second speed. The control module adjusts torque output of the electric motor during startup of the engine and based on the rate of change in speed.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine control system includes reducing pressures within cylinders of an engine based on an auto start command signal including: receiving a torque request signal; calculating a powertrain output torque; and controlling air flow to the engine based on the powertrain output torque. During a startup of the engine: electric motor torque is increased to a predetermined level and reduced to increase a current speed of the engine; combustion torque of the engine is activated and increased after the current speed is within a predetermined range and a manifold absolute pressure is less than a predetermined level; and the electric motor torque is increased based on a crankshaft output torque signal to increase a crankshaft output torque subsequent to the reducing of the electric motor torque and while performing the activating of the combustion torque.

Abstract: A minimum torque module selectively determines a first minimum propulsion torque based on second and third minimum propulsion torques when a torque converter clutch is in unlocked and locked states, respectively. A zero pedal torque module selectively sets a zero pedal torque equal to the first minimum propulsion torque. A pedal request module determines a pedal torque request based on an accelerator pedal position, a vehicle speed, and the zero pedal torque. A driver request module determines a driver axle torque request based on the pedal torque request. A shaping module selectively shapes the driver axle torque request into a shaped driver axle torque request. A conversion module converts the first minimum propulsion torque into a minimum axle torque. A final driver request module sets a final driver axle torque request equal to a greater of the shaped driver axle torque request and the minimum axle torque.

Abstract: A method for optimizing an engine idle speed in a vehicle having an engine, a motor generator unit (MGU), and an energy storage system (ESS) includes determining vehicle operating values, including at least one of: an electrical load of an accessory, a torque capacity of the MGU, a temperature of the MGU, an efficiency of the MGU, and a state of charge (SOC) of the ESS. The method also includes calculating a set of engine speed values using the set of vehicle operating values, and using a controller to command the engine idle speed as a function of the set of engine speed values. A vehicle includes an engine, an ESS, an MGU, and a controller having an algorithm adapted for optimizing an idle speed of the engine as set forth above.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a variety of vehicle performance characteristics depending on the mode of operation. A first routine is initiated to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy for any given combination of vehicle speed and deceleration rate. The first routine may, according to a preferred embodiment, include a plurality of routines that are each configured to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy within a predefined range of vehicle speeds and deceleration rates. A second routine is initiated if said deceleration rate is within a predefined range. The second routine includes running the electric motor/generator while the hybrid vehicle is being stopped in order to control the driveline lash and thereby minimize disturbances during a subsequent engine re-start.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an engine control module (ECM) that operates in a first mode and a second mode. The ECM generates an idle speed signal and a transmission load signal that is based on an idle speed of the engine. The hybrid control module (HCM) increases electric motor torque to increase a current speed of the engine based on the idle speed signal and the transmission load signal. The HCM controls the current speed when in the first mode. The ECM controls the current speed when in the second mode. The HCM transfers control of the current speed to the ECM when at least one of the current speed matches the idle speed and a combustion torque output of the engine is equal to a requested crankshaft output torque.

Abstract: A method and system to capture energy during regenerative braking while managing driveline disturbances by controlling locking and unlocking of a torque-converter clutch based upon operator input, typically throttle position or accelerator pedal position, vehicle speed, and engine load is offered. The exemplary vehicle has an engine, a torque converter with a clutch, and a transmission device. Vehicle kinetic energy is transmittable to an electrical machine using the transmission device and the torque converter. It includes monitoring an operator demand for power, engine operating speed, and, engine load; and, actuating the locking clutch for the torque converter based upon the operator demand for power, the engine operating speed, and, the engine load.

Abstract: A method and system to control transmission shifting in a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission is provided, wherein a command for a transmission up-shift is detected, and, inhibited, based upon operator input, engine speed, and vehicle operating conditions. A fuel cutoff event is immediately implemented, along with electrical energy regeneration using vehicle kinetic energy. Operator input includes monitoring accelerator pedal input, and inhibiting the command for the transmission up-shift when a tip-out event occurs. The command for inhibiting the transmission up-shift is discontinued when an accelerator pedal tip-in is detected, or accelerator pedal position is greater than a calibrated value, or when engine output torque exceeds a torque threshold, or when engine speed exceeds a speed threshold.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain includes an engine start detector that detects when an engine of the hybrid powertrain is activated via an electric motor during an auto start. An electric motor speed monitor determines a first speed of the electric motor for a first time and a second speed of the electric motor for a second time after detection of the engine in an active state. A control module determines a rate of change in speed of the electric motor based on the first speed and the second speed. The control module adjusts torque output of the electric motor during startup of the engine and based on the rate of change in speed.

Abstract: An anti-rollback control system for a vehicle having a brake system includes a brake pedal that is operable to induce a brake pressure in the brake system and a control module that holds the brake pressure equal to a hold pressure that is based on an incline angle to inhibit rollback of the vehicle when pressure is relieved from the brake pedal. The control module initiates forward propulsion of the vehicle based on a driver input and reduces the brake pressure from the hold pressure concurrent to initiating the forward propulsion.