Abstract: System and method for controlling the output torque of an electrical machine include a torque controller operable for receiving a motor input command, representative of a desired output torque, and generating a drive command to direct a motor to produce a predetermined output torque based on the motor input command. Further, the torque controller may include a sensor system for generating a feedback signal representative of an actual output torque of the motor. Additionally, the torque controller includes an input modulator and a speed modulator for adjusting the drive command based on the feedback signal and based on the motor input command to control a value of the predetermined output torque and to control a rate at which the predetermined output torque reaches the desired output torque.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for determining a desired torque (load) value for a load-dependent current generating system, such as a fuel cell system, in an electric vehicle. The process calculates load based on various driver demands such as accelerator position, brake position, Key on/off, Gear selector position, and system component temperatures. Additionally, the process considers the amount of current available from the load-dependent current generating system and matches that current to the current drawn by the electric motor. The process can be applied to a direct current (DC) electric traction motor or an alternating current (AC) induction motor.

Abstract: A torque control strategy control for management of regenerative braking in a motor vehicle. A first processor (12) processes throttle request data (20) and torque modification data (40) from a second processor (14) to develop motor torque request data (28) for controlling rotary electric machine torque. The second processor processes brake request data (26), the throttle request data, and operating data from the at least one operating data source to develop friction brake torque data (30) for controlling friction brake torque applied to the vehicle and the torque modification data for the first processor.

Abstract: An error detection method for use with a two channel increment encoder. The error detection method operates to detect errors over a wide range of rotational velocity of a rotating member. The error detection method employs the signal from one or two of the channels of the encoder and determines if pulse edges from the signals deviate from expected normal behavior. When an error is detected, actions can then be taken by the controller for the rotating member to prevent undesired results.

Abstract: An induction motor control system (10) for electric vehicles having a DC power supply (12), an inverter (14), an induction motor (16), and a clamping unit (26). The clamping unit (26) applies a clamping value iq_clamp to a real torque current command iq*. The clamping value iq_clamp is calculated in a maximum torque current calculation unit 28 and is based on predetermined maximum settings for the motor power Pmax and torque Tmax. The clamping value iq_clamp is applied such that the torque current command iq* cannot exceed the clamping value iq_clamp, whereby the induction motor produces 16 output power Pout and torque Tout that is always less than the predetermined maximum settings, Pmax and Tmax.

Abstract: The present invention provides vibration control for a vehicle drivetrain. In one embodiment of the present invention, a vibration control method comprises generating a speed signal representing a rotational speed of the drivetrain. The method further includes half-wave rectifying the speed signal to generate a first signal. Also, the method comprises inverting the speed signal and half-wave rectifying the inverted signal to generate a second signal. Also, the method includes low-pass filtering the first signal to generate a third signal and low-pass filtering the second signal to generate a fourth signal. In addition, the method comprises selecting a minimum of the third and fourth signals to generate a fifth signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling electric motor torque in an electric vehicle for improved vehicle performance and energy conservation includes receiving a throttle torque request and a brake torque request, and sensing the speed of the vehicle. The brake torque request is split into a creep cancellation component and a brake regenerative component. The throttle torque request is adjusted based upon the creep cancellation component and the brake regenerative component to produce a torque sum. The electric motor torque is then controlled based upon the torque sum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for substantially eliminating backlash in drivetrain gears of a vehicle propelled by an electric motor. The method includes detecting whether brakes of the vehicle are applied. The method further comprises only if the brakes are applied, applying a torque from the electric motor to move at least some teeth of the gears into contact with one another. The present invention further provides a system for substantially eliminating backlash in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of wheels and a drivetrain coupled to at least one of said wheels and comprising engaging gears. The embodiment also includes brakes proximate to at least one of the wheels and adapted to selectively apply braking torque to the at least one of the wheels to which the brakes are proximate.