Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the consumption of fuel in a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. A Hybrid Efficiency Index (HEI) is used to quantify a relative efficiency advantage achievable with the expenditure of electrical energy at a given power level. Also disclosed is a minimum efficiency threshold useful for determining which HEI values will result in the optimum use of electrical energy throughout the operation of the vehicle. Methods for adjusting the minimum efficiency threshold with respect to regenerative braking events, storage capacity in the energy storage system, along with other aspects are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A hybrid system including a hybrid control module for operating the hybrid system to as to have its energy storage device meet a predetermined service life metric is disclosed. The hybrid control module stores experimental information indicative of the impact of certain usage parameters on the service life of the energy storage device, monitors the actual usage parameters observed during operation of the hybrid system, and dynamically determines a maximum operating temperature for the energy storage device in order to increase or decrease its utilization by the hybrid system.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering the optimum power level during regenerative mode is disclosed. Equations for determining the optimum regenerative power level receivable by an energy storage system, for example for any given deceleration event, are derived and disclosed. The equations consider various losses such as the efficiency of the electric motor generator in the generator mode, wind resistance, rolling resistance, transmission losses, engine losses, and losses in the energy storage system. Also disclosed is at least one embodiment of a procedure for controlling a hybrid drive system to achieve the optimum energy recovery.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering the optimum power level during regenerative mode is disclosed. Equations for determining the optimum regenerative power level receivable by an energy storage system, for example for any given deceleration event, are derived and disclosed. The equations consider various losses such as the efficiency of the electric motor generator in the generator mode, wind resistance, rolling resistance, transmission losses, engine losses, and losses in the energy storage system. Also disclosed is at least one embodiment of a procedure for controlling a hybrid drive system to achieve the optimum energy recovery.

Abstract: A hybrid system and method is configured to achieve and maintain a touch point for a clutch so as to allow an engine to rapidly restart. The hybrid system includes an eMachine configured to start the engine. The clutch is configured to operatively connect and disconnect the eMachine and the engine. A motor torque PID controller is configured to operate the eMachine at a desired speed by regulating torque of the eMachine. A clutch pressure PID controller is configured to actuate the clutch to a touch point by regulating clutch pressure. The motor torque PID controller and the clutch pressure PID controller include a compensation function to account for a change in torque caused by actuation of the clutch by the clutch pressure PID controller.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering the optimum power level during regenerative mode is disclosed. Equations for determining the optimum regenerative power level receivable by an energy storage system, for example for any given deceleration event, are derived and disclosed. The equations consider various losses such as the efficiency of the electric motor generator in the generator mode, wind resistance, rolling resistance, transmission losses, engine losses, and losses in the energy storage system. Also disclosed is at least one embodiment of a procedure for controlling a hybrid drive system to achieve the optimum energy recovery.

Abstract: A system and method for compensation of turbo lag in hybrid vehicles is disclosed. The system identifies a zero boost power limit of the engine and a torque curve power limit. A turbocharger dynamic model is then developed based on measurements of the input engine power and the output max available engine power. The model is used to determine an overall propulsion power limit based on the combination of the engine and motor in operation. A power request by the driver may then be limited to the overall propulsion power limit to compensate for the effect of the turbocharger when propelling the vehicle using both the engine and motor and better simulate the engine-only response.

Abstract: A hybrid system including a hybrid control module for operating the hybrid system to as to have its energy storage device meet a predetermined service life metric is disclosed. The hybrid control module stores experimental information indicative of the impact of certain usage parameters on the service life of the energy storage device, monitors the actual usage parameters observed during operation of the hybrid system, and dynamically determines a maximum operating temperature for the energy storage device in order to increase or decrease its utilization by the hybrid system.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering the optimum power level during regenerative mode is disclosed. Equations for determining the optimum regenerative power level receivable by an energy storage system, for example for any given deceleration event, are derived and disclosed. The equations consider various losses such as the efficiency of the electric motor generator in the generator mode, wind resistance, rolling resistance, transmission losses, engine losses, and losses in the energy storage system. Also disclosed is at least one embodiment of a procedure for controlling a hybrid drive system to achieve the optimum energy recovery.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the consumption of fuel in a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. A Hybrid Efficiency Index (HEI) is used to quantify a relative efficiency advantage achievable with the expenditure of electrical energy at a given power level. Also disclosed is a minimum efficiency threshold useful for determining which HEI values will result in the optimum use of electrical energy throughout the operation of the vehicle. Methods for adjusting the minimum efficiency threshold with respect to regenerative braking events, storage capacity in the energy storage system, along with other aspects are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an eMachine coupled by a clutch using a hybrid controller is presented. The method determines an idle fuel rate of the engine, determines a hybrid efficiency index for the hybrid vehicle, determines an expected energy storage rate increase for an operating condition where the engine is decoupled from a vehicle transmission using said clutch, multiplies the expected energy storage rate increase by the hybrid efficiency index to determine an expected fuel rate reduction of the engine in the operating condition; and decouples the engine from the vehicle transmission using the clutch if the expected fuel rate reduction is greater than the idle fuel rate.

Abstract: A hybrid system includes a transmission control module, a power source, a transmission, and a drive train. The transmission control module partially operates the hybrid system and receives operating information from various components of the system, calculates power losses in the drive train, and calculates the driving torque needed to reach a target power profile determined from a driver's input.

Abstract: A hybrid system and method is configured to achieve and maintain a touch point for a clutch so as to allow an engine to rapidly restart. The hybrid system includes an eMachine configured to start the engine. The clutch is configured to operatively connect and disconnect the eMachine and the engine. A motor torque PID controller is configured to operate the eMachine at a desired speed by regulating torque of the eMachine. A clutch pressure PID controller is configured to actuate the clutch to a touch point by regulating clutch pressure. The motor torque PID controller and the clutch pressure PID controller include a compensation function to account for a change in torque caused by actuation of the clutch by the clutch pressure PID controller.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a hybrid vehicle comprises a processor module and a motor control module. The processor module outputs a seed value. The motor control module controls torque output by an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle, receives the seed value, generates a final key value based on the seed value, and outputs the final key value to the processor module.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a main control module operative to command first and second motor control processors of a hybrid powertrain system includes signally connecting a programmable logic device to the main control module and the first and second motor control processors, communicating a first seed signal from the programmable logic device to the main control module, and determining an invalid key signal in the main control module in response to the first seed signal. The invalid key signal is communicated to the programmable logic device.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an electromechanical transmission operative to transmit torque between an input member and an electric machine and an output member to transmit tractive torque. The electric machine is electrically connected to an inverter device which is electrically connected to an energy storage device. A method for operating the powertrain includes detecting a shutdown event, commanding the transmission to neutral, commanding the electric machine to cease operating in a torque generating mode, and electrically disconnecting the energy storage device from the inverter device.

Abstract: A method of processing a resolver fault in a motor generator unit (MGU) includes receiving a position signal from a resolver describing a measured angular position of a rotor of the MGU, determining the presence of the resolver fault using the position signal, and calculating or extrapolating an estimated rotor position when the resolver fault is determined. A predetermined resolver fault state may be determined using a measured duration of the resolver fault, and the MGU may be controlled using the estimated rotor position for at least a portion of the duration of the resolver fault. A motor control circuit is operable for processing the resolver fault using the above method, and may automatically vary a torque output or a pulse-width modulation (PWM) of the MGU depending on the duration of the resolver fault.

Abstract: A rotatable shaft is equipped with a measurement device that generates output signals corresponding to discrete angular positions of the shaft. Rotational angles of the shaft are measured for a complete rotational period. A true angular velocity of the shaft is determined. Angular velocity is calculated between contiguous pairs of the discrete angular positions. A velocity correction is determined, and a rotational angle error term is determined based upon the velocity correction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in automobiles utilizing two-mode transmissions are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to a commanded torque of the electric motor being below a first torque level, controlling the power inverter to set a switching frequency of the power inverter at a first set frequency; and, responsive to the commanded torque of the electric motor being between the first torque level and a second torque level, controlling the power inverter to determine the switching frequency of the power inverter as a function of the commanded torque of the electric motor while maintaining the switching frequency above a dynamic frequency limit. The method reduces switching frequencies in the inverter at high commanded torques, while maintaining the switching frequencies above dynamic frequency limit that provides effective control over the motor.

Abstract: Temperature of an electric drive is regulated to prevent undesirable thermal effects. Temperature conditions of the electric drive system are monitored and torque of the electric drive system is limited based on the temperature conditions.