Abstract: A NOx mass estimating unit for estimating the NOx mass output from a compression-ignition combustion engine, the engine comprising a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder comprising a combustion chamber into which fuel is injected by an associated fuel injector, said estimating unit comprising inputs for receiving data related to engine rotation and data related to in-cylinder pressure, and a processing arrangement arranged to determine a NOx mass output value in dependence on said data related to engine rotation and data related to in-cylinder pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating power, the apparatus, comprising: a steam engine for providing a first source of power, the steam engine also producing heat waste; a thermionic device for providing a second source of power, the thermionic device providing the second source of power from the heat waste which is provided to the thermionic device, the heat waste of the steam engine being in fluid communication with a heat exchanger of the thermionic device.

Abstract: Method and system are provided that allow determining in a vehicle having two or more sources of electrical energy what corrective action needs to be undertaken in the event one of the energy sources, due to malfunctions and/or environmental conditions, is not able to carry through a cranking event. The system, by way of a bidirectional DC/DC converter, has the capability to transfer electrical energy in either direction between the energy sources. The system includes a controller configurable with computer-readable logic or intelligence that enables the controller to make a decision based on appropriate source parameters, e.g., temperature, to automatically determine when, where, and how much energy needs to be transferred. This decision will enhance the opportunity to successfully perform the next starting or cranking event.

Abstract: Method and system are provided that allow determining in a vehicle having two or more sources of electrical energy what corrective action needs to be undertaken in the event one of the energy sources, due to malfunctions and/or environmental conditions, is not able to carry through a cranking event. The system, by way of a bi-directional DC/DC converter, has the capability to transfer electrical energy in either direction between the energy sources. The system includes a controller configurable with computer-readable logic or intelligence that enables the controller to make a decision based on appropriate source parameters, e.g., temperature, to automatically determine when, where, and how much energy needs to be transferred. This decision will enhance the opportunity to successfully perform the next starting or cranking event.

Abstract: An improved surge suppression control for a motor vehicle drivetrain detects and suppresses drivetrain oscillation in a predetermined range of frequencies centered on an estimate of the natural frequency of the drivetrain. The drivetrain natural frequency is determined based on the current speed ratio of the vehicle transmission and empirically determined vehicle characteristics, and is used to define the center frequency of a band-pass filter responsive to engine speed. The filter output represents the AC component of the engine speed in a range of frequencies centered on the driveline natural frequency, and such component is differentiated to form an acceleration component in phase synchronism with the torque causing the detected resonance.

Abstract: Method, system and controller for electronically controlling a park-interlock device in a land-based vehicle are provided. The method allows for providing a driver-selectable shifter for selecting a respective one of a plurality of propulsion modes of the vehicle. One of the propulsion modes is a park mode. The method further allows for sensing at least one vehicle parameter for determining whether or not the park interlock device is to be actuated to a respective interlock state corresponding to the driver-selected mode and/or an operational mode automatically determined by a controller for stopping and starting during a Hill-hold function in an electric, hybrid electric vehicle. Memory is provided for storing nominal values for each vehicle parameter. A comparing action allows to compare the sensed vehicle parameters relative to the nominal parameter values stored in memory.

Abstract: Method and system for controlling an induction machine are provided. The method allows to sense rotor position of the induction machine using a relatively low-resolution rotor position sensor configured to supply a stream of pulses indicative of angular increments as the rotor position changes. A memory device is used for storing a synchronous angle boost function. The method further allows to retrieve from the memory device at least one function parameter for providing a synchronous angle boost during a start up mode of operation of the induction machine. Upon sensing a predetermined number of pulses from the rotor position sensor, the method allows to switch from the start up mode of operation to a normal mode of operation, wherein the boost provided to the synchronous angle is discontinued upon switching to the normal mode of operation.

Abstract: An improved surge suppression control for a motor vehicle drivetrain detects and suppresses drivetrain oscillation in a predetermined range of frequencies centered on an estimate of the natural frequency of the drivetrain. The drivetrain natural frequency is determined based on the current speed ratio of the vehicle transmission and empirically determined vehicle characteristics, and is used to define the center frequency of a band-pass filter responsive to engine speed. The filter output represents the AC component of the engine speed in a range of frequencies centered on the driveline natural frequency, and such component is differentiated to form an acceleration component in phase synchronism with the torque causing the detected resonance.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for preventing oscillations of a vehicle. The engine speed is monitored and filtered, the filtered engine speed being compared to a natural frequency of the vehicle. The natural frequency corresponds to a gear ratio of the vehicle. A torque command is provided to an electric machine coupled to a driveline of the vehicle, the electric machine provides a counteracting torque to the driveline in order to eliminate oscillations in the vehicle.

Abstract: Method, system and controller for electronically controlling a park-interlock device in a land-based vehicle are provided. The method allows for providing a driver-selectable shifter for selecting a respective one of a plurality of propulsion modes of the vehicle. One of the propulsion modes is a park mode. The method further allows for sensing at least one vehicle parameter for determining whether or not the park interlock device is to be actuated to a respective interlock state corresponding to the driver-selected mode and/or an operational mode automatically determined by a controller for stopping and starting during a Hill-hold function in an electric, hybrid electric vehicle. Memory is provided for storing nominal values for each vehicle parameter. A comparing action allows to compare the sensed vehicle parameters relative to the nominal parameter values stored in memory.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for preventing oscillations of a vehicle. The engine speed is monitored and filtered, the filtered engine speed being compared to a natural frequency of the vehicle. The natural frequency corresponds to a gear ratio of the vehicle. A torque command is provided to an electric machine coupled to a driveline of the vehicle, the electric machine provides a counteracting torque to the driveline in order to eliminate oscillations in the vehicle.

Abstract: Method and system for controlling an induction machine are provided. The method allows to sense rotor position of the induction machine using a relatively low-resolution rotor position sensor configured to supply a stream of pulses indicative of angular increments as the rotor position changes. A memory device is used for storing a synchronous angle boost function. The method further allows to retrieve from the memory device at least one function parameter for providing a synchronous angle boost during a start up mode of operation of the induction machine. Upon sensing a predetermined number of pulses from the rotor position sensor, the method allows to switch from the start up mode of operation to a normal mode of operation, wherein the boost provided to the synchronous angle is discontinued upon switching to the normal mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and circuit for balancing energy levels among first and second battery groups within a battery pack are provided. The first and second battery groups are connected across a first current bus that may, for example, provide power for an electric motor of an electric vehicle. The first battery group is also connected across a second current bus that may, for example, provide current to vehicle electrical systems such as lighting systems. The method includes the steps of generating a first state of charge value indicative of a first energy level in the first battery group and generating a second state of charge value indicative of a second energy level in the second battery group. The method also includes the step of controlling the first energy level responsive to the first and second state of charge values.