Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines if all systems are operating within predetermined safe operating ranges. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to disconnect and isolate systems that exceed safe operating ranges, and to modify or change operating commands sent to other systems to compensate for the isolated system or systems. The controller also generates commands to place system components into a safe configuration or state in shutdown or failure events so as to protect the vehicle and maintenance personnel from potential damage or injury. A method of adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a motor's operation is disclosed. The circuit includes a relay and a motor braking circuit portion. The relay selectively interconnects a voltage source with one of a braking terminal and a motor terminal. The motor braking circuit portion has a motor brake switch connected on a first switch side to the motor terminal and a second switch side to the electrical ground. The brake switch is activated to brake the motor when the relay interconnects the voltage source with the braking terminal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for converting the kinetic energy of the rotating spindle motor of a disk drive of a rechargeable battery operated mobile host device into electrical energy during braking of the rotating spindle motor. The converted electrical energy is conditioned and used to charge the rechargeable battery of the mobile host device.

Abstract: A motor control circuit includes a forward rotation control circuit, a reverse rotation control circuit, and a brake control circuit. The forward rotation control circuit allows a first current source to supply a first current signal to a motor drive circuit for operating a motor in a forward rotation mode. The reverse rotation control circuit allows a third current source to supply a third current signal to the motor drive circuit for operating the motor in a reverse rotation mode. The brake control circuit allows a second current source and a fourth current source to respectively supply a second current signal and a fourth current signal to the motor drive circuit for operating the motor in a brake mode. The motor control circuit reduces power dissipation in the brake mode since the second and fourth current signals may be smaller than the first and third current signals.

Abstract: A moving body drive control device characterized by mutually balancing a magnitude of driving force TK and a magnitude of braking force TB, both of the forces being generated by a motor, to approximate a moving speed of a moving body 100 to a target speed highly precisely without being affected by a disturbance and the like in a state where the drive control device always applies at least any force of the driving force TK and the braking force TB to the moving body 100 to always apply a driving load thereto.

Abstract: To provide a power transmission device that can increase the range of speed variation between an engine and a power output shaft and effectively achieve reduction in size and cost of the device arrangement. The speed reduction ratios from an engine 1 to first output shaft 4c, 5c of first and second power distributors 4, 5 are different from each other. A speed change unit 10 is provided between the first output shaft 4c of the first power distributor 4 and a power output shaft 11 linked with driving wheels 2, 2 of the vehicle, and rotation transmission therebetween is achieved at a plurality of stages of speed reduction ratio. The rotation transmission from the first output shaft 5c of the second power distributor 5 to the power output shaft 11 is achieved via gears 20, 15b or rotation transmission mechanisms 15, 14 of a speed change unit 10 at a plurality of stages of speed reduction ratio.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus including a regeneration control function and a power storage device for accumulating a regenerative current and for supplying an inverter section with electric power during acceleration. The inverter section is connected to a converter section by a DC link to which regeneration start detecting means and the power storage device are connected. When the regeneration start detecting means detects that a voltage at the DC link reaches a regeneration control start voltage, a controller controls switching elements and starts regeneration control. The regenerative current is accumulated in the capacitor through a diode. When a motor is in a power running state, the switching elements are turned on to apply the voltage at the power storage device to the DC link, and the charged power is utilized for motor acceleration.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a regenerative operation of a vehicle motor includes a vehicle motor as a drive source of a vehicle, an energy storage device, including plural cells, for storing regenerative energy generated by a regenerative operation of the vehicle motor, and a total voltage measuring device for measuring a total voltage that is a sum of inter-terminal voltages of the plural cells, a cell voltage judgment device for determining whether the inter-terminal voltage of any one of the plural cells exceeds a predetermined regeneration limitation voltage, a total voltage estimating device for determining, when it is determined by the cell voltage judgment device that the inter-terminal voltage of any one of the cells exceeds the predetermined regeneration limitation voltage, an estimated total voltage which is defined as a total voltage at a time when the inter-terminal voltage of the one of the cells reaches a regeneration prohibition voltage that is higher than the predetermined regenerative

Abstract: A traction drive, in particular for rail cars, includes a permanent-excited synchronous motor, a traction converter with a pulsed inverter for powering the motor, and ohmic brake resistors. Cross-over switches are connected with a corresponding input terminal of the motor and can switch the input terminal between a corresponding output terminal of the pulsed inverter (for travel) and a terminal of a corresponding brake resistor (for braking). The brake resistors are electrically connected in a star configuration. The traction drive can operate with different supply voltages. There is no longer a need for a mechanical brake, and flat spots on the wheels can be prevented.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines the regenerative braking mode of the vehicle and the appropriate level of regenerative braking for proper vehicle operation. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to produce regenerative braking, monitors the status to determine the effects of the regenerative braking command generated, and adaptively changes the regenerative braking command generated in response to the measured effects. A method for adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: The invention makes an output sharing of an engine and an electric motor proper so as to suitably drive a load. When a throttle opening degree variation amount &Dgr;V is within a &Dgr;V1, an engine E can drive a power generator G at a rated revolution speed. A switching circuit 28 is switched in such a manner as to charge a battery 27 by a generated power. When the opening degree variation amount &Dgr;V becomes larger than the &Dgr;V1, a power assist of operating the power generator G as the electric motor is set to be standby. When the opening degree variation amount &Dgr;V is more than &Dgr;V2 (>&Dgr;V1), the power assist is started. In the power assist, an angle advance amount is increased. When acceleration is insufficient, it is possible to further increase a conduction angle in stages.

Abstract: A multiple inverter system is powered from a common energy source such as a battery. First and second inverters are coupled to the common energy source and drive corresponding motors. First and second controllers provide pulse width modulated signals, modulated with respect to first and second clock signals, respectively, to the respective first and second inverters. A capacitor coupled between a power bus and a ground bus smoothes power bus ripples caused by simultaneous switching. To reduce the size needed for the capacitor, different modulation schemes, such as center based interleaved, and leading and lagging edge coincident, are used when both motors are in the motoring mode or both motors are in the regeneration mode. However, the same modulation scheme is used when one motor is in the motoring mode and the other motor is in the regeneration mode.

Abstract: There are provided as drive sources an engine 2, a front motor 3 provided on a front wheels 8 side of the vehicle and a rear motor 4 provided on a rear wheels 9 side of the vehicle, and in executing a regeneration of deceleration energy when braking, a regeneration capacity of the front motor 3 and a regeneration capacity of the rear motor 4 are calculated, respectively, so that the regeneration is executed with either of these motors 3, 4 which can provide a larger regeneration capacity.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle provided with an engine and a motor as driving sources, and a storage battery device which stores regenerative energy obtained by output from the engine or by regenerative operation of the motor during deceleration of the vehicle. The control device includes: a vehicle speed detection unit which detects speed of the vehicle; a deceleration fuel cut determination unit which determines whether supply of fuel to the engine is stopped during deceleration of the vehicle; and a brake detection unit which detects operation of a brake, wherein regenerative braking is stopped when operation of the brake is detected by the brake detection unit if the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit is lower than a predetermined speed and if it is determined by the deceleration fuel cut determination unit that the supply of fuel to the engine is not stopped.

Abstract: A trigger controller for an electric power tool including a motor and a pull-trigger movable along a path having a foremost home position comprises a mechanical switch and a solid-state switch connected in series to the motor, wherein the mechanical switch includes a first moving contact, and the controller includes a second moving contact wherein the first and second moving contacts are movable to operate the mechanical and solid-state switches respectively at different predetermined travelling positions of the pull-trigger from the home position such that the two switches are caused to be initially closed at different times.

Abstract: A power system for an electric motor drive such as may be used in an electrically propelled vehicle incorporates the combination of a high power density battery and a high energy density battery to provide an optimal combination of high energy and high power, i.e., a hybrid battery system. The hybrid battery system in one form includes components which prevent electrical recharge energy from being applied to the high energy density battery while capturing regenerative energy in the high power density battery so as to increase an electric vehicle's range for a given amount of stored energy. A dynamic retarding function for absorbing electrical regenerative energy is used during significant vehicle deceleration and while holding speed on down-hill grades, to minimize mechanical brake wear and limit excessive voltage on the battery and power electronic control devices.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system for an electric vehicle having front and rear wheels, and includes a drive wheel, an actuating device, a regenerative braking control circuit, and a power electronics circuit. The regenerative braking control circuit includes a potentiometer ir transducer, a process sensor, and a microprocessor. The system applies a regenerative braking torque to the drive wheel when the rider commands regenerative braking, and the process sensors signal a drive wheel velocity greater than zero. The present invention also relates to a throttle for actuating regenerative braking and reversing feature.

Abstract: A vehicle and method of operating a vehicle including a motor that supplies a driving force to a wheel, a battery that supplies electric power to the motor and receives regenerative electric power from the motor and a controller that detects a state of the battery and sets, based on a detected state of the battery, a first upper limit value and a first lower limit value for a voltage value and an electric current value that is output from the battery to the motor, and a second upper limit value and second lower limit value for the voltage value and the electric current value that is input from the regenerative electric power to the battery.

Abstract: In the invention, pairs of output transistors are provided. An actuator having an inductance is connected to nodes formed between the pairs of output transistors. A drive circuit for the actuator is arranged such that the actuator is driven by causing a drive current to flow into the inductance. The drive circuit has an overvoltage detection circuit for detecting whether or not a voltage appearing at the nodes of the output transistor pairs exceeds a supply voltage by a first predetermined level and whether or not the voltage becomes lower than a ground level by a second predetermined level. Output transistors connected to the nodes are activated by an output from the overvoltage detection circuit.

Abstract: A system for providing driving torque to wheels on a vehicle includes an electric motor having the capability of independently driving rotatable axle shafts. One example includes a single stator with a first armature associated with a first axle shaft and a second armature associated with a second axle shaft. A controller independently controls power to the armatures to achieve the desired wheel speed or driving torque at each of the wheels.

Abstract: A trigger controller for an electric power tool including a motor and a pull-trigger movable along a path having a foremost home position. The controller comprises a mechanical switch and a solid-state switch connected in series to the motor. The mechanical switch includes a first moving contact movable by the pull-trigger. The controller includes a control unit including an IC chip connected to the solid-state switch for generating an adjustable control signal to turn on and off the solid-state switch for delivering an adjustable current via the mechanical switch to the motor. The controller includes an output selector including resistors interconnected in series and a second moving contact connectable selectively to junctions of the resistors and connected to the control unit for adjusting the control signal to operate, the solid-state switch. The second moving contact is movable by the pull-trigger.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing emissions of a combustion engine is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: an energy converter adapted to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, but having no mechanical coupling to any drive shaft of the combustion engine; and an exhaust aftertreatment device adapted to receive the electrical energy from the energy converter, receive exhaust gases from the combustion engine, and remove pollutants from the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A combined regenerative and friction braking system for the road wheels of a vehicle includes a friction braking subsystem, a regenerative braking subsystem coupled to the road wheels equipped with the friction braking subsystem, and a brake system controller for controlling both the friction and regenerative braking subsystems such that regenerative braking is restored to a maximum practicable value following conclusion of an antilock braking event.

Abstract: An electric motor having a regenerative braking capability is described which has several embodiments, each of which utilize two pairs of brushes, each pair of which has individual brushes positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the commutator. One pair is positioned for preferably optimally running the motor while the other pair of brushes is used solely for braking purposes. For normal motor or running operation, a motor switch assembly interacts with an activating mechanism to physically lift the pair of braking brushes from the surface of the commutator and also ensures that the running brushes come into contact with the commutator. When the motor switch assembly is switched to stop the motor, the switch assembly causes the activating mechanism to first lift the running brushes from the surface of the commutator and then place the braking brushes onto the commutator surface.

Abstract: A circuit for the speed recovery of a direct current motor includes an output stage, output stage having a first pair of transistors, a second pair of transistors, and means a first circuit configured to detect a current circulating in the motor. The output stage further includes a second circuit configured to, activate the second pair transistors for a determined first time period so as to short-circuit the motor, and, at the end of the first time period, unbalance the output stage so as to force a maximum current to circulate for a determined second time period as a function of a value detected by the first circuit during the first time period, so as to stop the motor.

Abstract: In an intelligent electric motor, the rotating speed and performance of a conventional electric motor is changed based on a means controlled by a computer, and the means is installed in the housing of the intelligent electric motor. For example, in the intelligent AC motor, the three-phase power is connected to the three-phase stator winding by three groups of control gates. All of the gates are switched on or off by a signal from the control means. When each of the three groups of control gates is switched on sequentially, the three-phase power is connected to the three-phase stator winding of the three-phase intelligent electric motor at the speed &dgr; in turn, so that the speed of the rotating magnetic field of the intelligent electric motor n0 is increased by a sped &dgr;. Therefore, the actual speed of the motor, n′0, is equal to n0±&dgr;, so the speed and performance of the motor is changed.

Abstract: A method and system for DC motor control is provided. A processor controls transistors connected to the field and armature coils of a DC motor, and measures the current and average voltage associated with said field and armature coils to determine motor speed. Motor speed is compared to a speed command to determine a speed error. The torque of the motor is adjusted to reduce the speed error. Safety features and power redistribution features are also provided.

Abstract: The invention prevents the voltage change dv/dt occurring at an inverter from directly igniting a semiconductor braking switch and short-circuiting the inverter during operation. In a dynamic brake circuit which absorbs energy by brake resistor 15 upon igniting semiconductor braking switch 14 and short-circuiting power supply lines of the motor 10 when braking motor 10, which is driven by an inverter part comprised of three-phase AC power supply 1, three-phase bridge rectifier circuit 3, smoothing capacitor 6, and semiconductor switching devices 7, high resistor 20 is disposed between the anode side of the smoothing capacitor 6 and the anode side of the semiconductor braking switch 14, whereby snubber capacitor 17 of snubber circuit 18 connected in parallel to the semiconductor braking switch 14 is charged via this high resistor 20 prior to operation of the inverter part.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system for an electric vehicle having front and rear wheels, and includes a drive wheel, an actuating device, a regenerative braking control circuit, and a power electronics circuit. The regenerative braking control circuit includes a potentiometer ir transducer, a process sensor, and a microprocessor. The system applies a regenerative braking torque to the drive wheel when the rider commands regenerative braking, and the process sensors signal a drive wheel velocity greater than zero. The present invention also relates to a throttle for actuating regenerative braking and reversing feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling deceleration of a DC motor which is driven in a forward operating direction with a forward-drive electric current applied thereto by a forward driving device, wherein the forward motor driving device applies the forward-drive electric current in the form of pulses to the DC motor during its deceleration, and wherein a plugging-braking device operable while the motor is subjected to a regenerative brake or operated in a non-braked state is operated to apply a reverse-drive electric current in the form of pulses to the motor, to apply a plugging brake to the motor, such that at least one pulse of the reverse-drive electric current follows every predetermined number of pulses of the forward-drive electric current.

Abstract: A control system controls a hybrid vehicle having an engine for rotating a drive axle, an electric motor for assisting the engine in rotating the drive axle and converting kinetic energy of the drive axle into electric energy in a regenerative mode, and an electric energy storage unit connected through a drive control circuit to the electric motor, for storing electric energy. The control system has a regenerative quantity determining unit which includes first, second, and third first regenerative quantity establishing units. The first regenerative quantity establishing unit establishes a first regenerative quantity for the electric motor based on a vehicle speed of the hybrid vehicle when the supply of fuel to the engine is stopped upon deceleration of the hybrid vehicle. The second regenerative quantity establishing unit establishes a second regenerative quantity for the electric motor based on a remaining capacity of the electric energy storage unit.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle and method including a generator set having an internal combustion engine and a generator, a battery array and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling propulsion of the vehicle. The controller generates a second signal having a value proportional to the value of a first signal, indicative of user demand, and indicative of a demand of the at least one electric motor, determines if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal, increases the value of a command signal to the at least one electric motor, if the value of the first signal is not larger than the value of the second signal, and decreases the value of the command signal, if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal.

Abstract: A compact, low loss, transformer-less, reversible dual motor controller for electric vehicles, capable of regenerative braking, and providing good cornering capabilities is described, comprising an AC/DC or DC/DC converter and reversing power switching means to allow either forward or reverse motion. The controller can be modified to allow electric vehicle operation under slippery bottom conditions by the addition of switching means to connect the two DC motors in series across the output of the converter when motoring, and temporarily in “circulating-current-free armature parallel” mode, when one motor spins as a result of slippery bottom conditions.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of previously known motor controllers for centrifuge machines wherein a motor controller is provided for a centrifuge machine including a logic control module, one or more power cells, and one or more contactors. The logic control module is capable of interfacing with the main centrifuge controller and provides control over the power cells and contactors to provide a voltage ramp-up to accelerate the centrifuge basket. As such, the logic control module avoids the current draining problems associated with across the line starting of the centrifuge motor. The power cells receive a voltage from the main power supply, and output to the contactors variable power to control centrifuge motor speed. Further, the configuration of multiple contactors to reverse the power supplied to the centrifuge motor windings may eliminate the need for a second, reverse direction motor.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an electric vehicle is described, the control apparatus comprising input means operable to generate a first signal indicative of a component of a desired motion of the vehicle and a second signal independently indicative of said component; an electric motor arranged to drive a wheel of the vehicle; a controller arranged to control the motor according to said first signal; and means for generating a signal indicative of a voltage across windings of the motor, the controller further including: means for calculating a quantity indicative of a nominal expected voltage across said windings according to said second signal; means for comparing said voltage with said expected voltage; and means for generating an error signal in response to said voltage and expected voltage differing by more than a predetermined amount. A corresponding method of controlling an electric vehicle is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle-drive system which can recovers inertial power from a vehicle. Torque of an internal-combustion engine is transferred to input shaft of transmission through main clutch. Dynamo-electric-machine mechanism is connected to input shaft of transmission through assistant clutch, and further, accessories are connected to dynamo-electric-machine mechanism. Therefore, in simple structure, substantially added by only assistant clutch relative to conventional structure, plural manners of operation can be realized by connecting or disconnecting two clutches thereby attaining other superior effects such as fuel-cost savings.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle of the present invention determines whether a brake switch flag F_BKSW is “1” or not (step S101), and in the case where the brake is on (“yes”), obtains a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN by table retrieval from a #REGENBR table. In the case where the brake is off (“no”), it is determined whether a fuel supply cut delay time regeneration flag F_RGNFCD is “1” or not (step S104). In the case where regeneration is not performed in the fuel supply cut delay time (“no”), a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN is obtained by table retrieval from a #REGEN table (step S105). On the other hand, in the case where regeneration is performed in the fuel supply cut delay time (“yes”), a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN is obtained by table retrieval from a #RGNNFCD table (step S106).

Abstract: In a roller conveyor system for carrying out zone control, a conveyed article can be stopped in an approximately constant position without varying the position where the article is stopped in a desired control zone even if the weight of the article varies. In order to syop the article in a predetermined control zone, such stop control is carried out that a motor is decelerated and stopped in a plurality of braking systems depending on the change in the pulse width of a rotational pulse signal to stop the article with high precision in a predetermined stop position.

Abstract: A vehicle including a battery (61) powering an electrical motor (60), the electric motor (60) operating when the vehicle is driving at a nominal speed in order to drive, at a constant speed, a variable displacement hydraulic pump (4) which is connected to at least one variable displacement hydraulic motor (3). The hydraulic motor indirectly drives wheels of the vehicle. The variable displacement pump is electronically controlled and managed by a circuit which monitors, manages and controls (9) an angle of a cam plate which controls variable displacement of hydraulic pump (4).

Abstract: A control system is provided for the drive system of automotive vehicles. A control determines a combination of torque to be applied from an integrated starter-generator and compression torque to be applied from an engine. The combination of the integrated starter-generator torque and engine compression torque results in a desired deceleration torque. The control preferentially applies torque from the integrated starter-generator over the compression torque, thus maximizing regeneration.

Abstract: A controller of an elevator for stably controlling regenerated power by using a cheap secondary battery of a low capacity without damaging energy saving effects obtained by charging.

Abstract: An elevator control apparatus includes: a converter for rectifying AC power into DC power; an inverter for converting the DC power into AC power having a variable voltage and a variable frequency; a controller for controlling a motor based on the AC power having the variable voltage and the variable frequency, operating an elevator; a power storage unit for storing the DC power; a required power computing circuit for computing required power of the elevator based on a speed command of the controller; a charge/discharge control circuit for issuing a drive signal for changing charge current, supplied to the power storage unit, based on regenerative electric power so as to charge the power storage unit with the regenerative electric power if the required power of the elevator is negative, meaning that the regenerative electric power is available; and a charge/discharge circuit for charging the power storage unit with the regenerative electric power in accordance with the drive signal.

Abstract: A regeneration control system and method applied to a hybrid vehicle is disclosed, by which sufficient energy can be stored during deceleration regeneration, and engine stall can be prevented when the amount of load imposed on the engine increases during deceleration regeneration. The method includes (i) determining a quantity of regeneration performed using the motor during deceleration of the vehicle, and for making the motor execute regeneration based on the determined quantity; (ii) detecting a variation (decrement) of the engine speed; (iii) detecting the engine speed, and (iv) stopping regeneration executed by the motor during deceleration of the vehicle if the detected variation of the engine speed is larger than a predetermined value, or if the detected engine speed is equal to or below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid car is provided, capable of reliably protecting an electric double layer capacitor from being subjected to an excess voltage.

Abstract: A driving motor stopping unit for a vehicle, which vehicle allows transmission of driving force from a driving motor to driving wheels irrespective of releasing an accelerator pedal at a certain or lower vehicle speed when a transmission is selected to a driving range, wherein said vehicle is further provided with a driving force decreasing unit which switches the driving force in accordance with depression of a brake pedal such that the driving force is made lower at a depression of the brake pedal than at a release of the brake pedal, and the driving motor is stopped after the driving force is decreased by the driving force decreasing unit.

Abstract: A system includes a battery, a motor, a switching circuit that interconnects the battery and the motor, a switch driving circuit that is connected to the switching circuit, and a controller that is connected to the switch driving circuit for controlling operation of the switching circuit in one of a first mode, wherein the motor is configured so as to draw power from the battery and wherein the motor rotates in a positive direction and with a positive torque, and a second mode, wherein the motor is configured so as to supply power to the battery and wherein the motor rotates in the positive direction and with a negative torque.

Abstract: Conventionally converter-controlled electric motors are allowed to operate in generational mode during braking and to convert the electrical energy so produced into heat. Such motors may also comprise electromagnetically actuated mechanical brakes. In the present invention it is proposed to supply the electrical energy produced by the motor when in a generational mode to an excitation coil of the brake and there store it temporarily as magnetic energy or convert it into heat.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid electric vehicle design delivers smooth, high power performance while decreasing harmful exhaust emissions and maximizing fuel economy. An electric motor strategically assists the internal combustion engine. This arrangement can increase driveability and make for a very smooth driving vehicle. Decreased emissions are realized by helping the engine to run in a fashion which inherently minimizes emissions. Fuel economy is significantly enhanced by efficiently producing power needed to make the car meet the demands of the driver while leveling the load demands placed on the internal combustion engine. When the internal combustion engine is operating very efficiently under light loading or deceleration, the power source is charged as the motor turns into a generator.

Abstract: Electrical direct current actuators, which have a distinct low-pass behavior with respect to the actuating signal, are frequently used in electronic control and regulation devices. Typical examples of such actuators are d.c. motors or electromagnets. In order to minimize the power losses when controlling such electric d.c. actuators, the associated power amplifiers usually are controlled by a pulse-width modulated actuating signal in the kHz frequency. In order to ensure that the actuator also is activated with the predefined actuating signal when there are variations in the supply direct voltage, the calculated actuating signal is multiplied by a scaling factor in a first functional module, with this scaling factor being obtained in another functional module on the basis of the relationship between the actual supply voltage and the nominal supply voltage.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor, which has driving and electric generating functions and which is directly connected to the engine as a vehicle propulsion system, an engine controller for controlling the operating condition of the engine, and a motor controller for controlling the driving and electric generating conditions of the motor based on the operating condition of the engine and the driving condition of the vehicle independently from the control of the engine made by the engine controller. The vehicle runs by only utilizing its engine by simplifying the control of the engine and motor, and by improving the reliability of the motor controller.