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 method of servicing a hybrid system is disclosed wherein the hybrid system includes a detected fault. As a result of the detected fault the hybrid system has been disabled. The hybrid system includes a controller and a service detection interlock (SDI). The method steps include first powering up the controller and then assessing a special fault flag status. If a special fault flag is set, the next step is to check to see if the SDI is removed. If the SDI is removed then the special fault flag is cleared while the hybrid system remains disabled. The controller is then powered down with the key-off input and with the next key-on input, the hybrid system can be enabled.

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 method of servicing a hybrid system is disclosed wherein the hybrid system includes a detected fault. As a result of the detected fault the hybrid system has been disabled. The hybrid system includes a controller and a service detection interlock (SDI). The method steps include first powering up the controller and then assessing a special fault flag status. If a special fault flag is set, the next step is to check to see if the SDI is removed. If the SDI is removed then the special fault flag is cleared while the hybrid system remains disabled. The controller is then powered down with the key-off input and with the next key-on input, the hybrid system can be enabled.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control system for an engine comprises a valve, such as an EGR valve, that controls recirculation of exhaust gas in the engine between an exhaust manifold and an intake manifold. A controller communicates with the valve and opens the valve after the engine is turned off to allow the exhaust gas into the intake manifold. The exhaust gas is therefore present in the intake manifold when the engine is next started. In this manner, the amount of fuel required to start the engine is reduced, and startup emissions are reduced.

Abstract: In an engine, associated control system, and method the engine including at least one camshaft having an angular position at a given point in time, and a crankshaft having an angular position at a given point in time. The method comprising the steps of measuring a first window of time using at least one crankshaft angular position pulse as a reference point in time and measuring a second window of time using at least one camshaft angular position pulse as a reference point in time. The method also ascertains an angular position difference between at least one camshaft and crankshaft equal to the second window of time divided by the first window of time and determines whether a misalignment between the at least one camshaft and the crankshaft exists by comparing the angular position difference between the at least one camshaft and crankshaft to a predetermined value.