Abstract: A method is provided for powering a 48V electrically heated catalyst of a catalytic converter of a vehicle without using a 48V battery. The method provides a 12V battery. An electrical energy storage device is electrically connected between the electrically heated catalyst and the 12V battery. The electrical energy storage device is charged by the 12V battery so as to store a voltage of 12V that can then be switched to 48V. The electrically heated catalyst is powered with 48V supplied by the charged electrical energy storage device. A system for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a 12-volt battery; a 48-volt battery; a DC-DC converter in electrical communication with the 12-volt battery and with the 48-volt battery; and an electric machine in electrical communication with the 48-volt battery. The electric machine is mechanically connected to an engine. In a first initial or cold start mode of operation, the DC-DC converter receives voltage from the 12-volt battery, boosts the voltage to a voltage of about 48 volts, with 48-volt power being applied to the electric machine for activating the electric machine, causing the electric machine to start the engine. In a second mode of operation, the electric machine receives 48 volt power, from the 48-volt battery alone, for activating the electric machine, causing the electric machine to start the engine.

Abstract: A sensor system (36) determines the Stoichiometric Air to Fuel Ratio (SAFR) of fuel mixtures. The system includes a first electrode (12) and a second electrode (14), with the first electrode surrounding the second electrode so that a fuel mixture can flow between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrodes are constructed and arranged to provide data for determining a conductivity and permittivity of the fuel mixture. A temperature sensor (18) is constructed and arranged to measure a temperature of the fuel mixture. A processor (19) is constructed and arranged to determine the SAFR of the fuel mixture based on the measured temperature and permittivity of the fuel mixture.

Abstract: A sensor system (36) determines the Stoichiometric Air to Fuel Ratio (SAFR) of fuel mixtures. The system includes a first electrode (12) and a second electrode (14), with the first electrode surrounding the second electrode so that a fuel mixture can flow between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrodes are constructed and arranged to provide data for determining a conductivity and permittivity of the fuel mixture. A temperature sensor (18) is constructed and arranged to measure a temperature of the fuel mixture. A processor (19) is constructed and arranged to determine the SAFR of the fuel mixture based on the measured temperature and permittivity of the fuel mixture.