Abstract: Providing a control apparatus for a variable-cylinder engine or a vehicle control apparatus, which permits a further improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle. Decompression-state setting means 102 is arranged to place appropriate ones of non-operating cylinders of the variable-cylinder engine 10 in the decompression state, on the basis of regenerative braking state of vehicle detected by regenerative-braking-state detecting means 100, so that only a required minimum number of the non-operating cylinders of the variable-cylinder engine 10 is/are placed in the decompression state, depending upon the detected regenerative braking state of the vehicle, making it possible to not only improve fuel economy of the vehicle but also assure sufficient engine braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a hybrid transmission including a two-degree-of-freedom differential mechanism is arranged to change a target prime-mover revolution speed of a prime mover so as to decrease an electric power output of first and second motor/generators when a temperature of one of the first and second motor/generators and a power device for the first and second motor/generators is higher than a predetermined temperature, wherein a target driving force of the hybrid vehicle is achieved by a demand prime-mover output generated when an output revolution speed of the hybrid transmission is kept constant and when the target prime-mover revolution speed is determined.

Abstract: In a hybrid automatic transmission of a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a differential device having two-degree-of-freedom and at least four rotating members respectively connected to a prime mover as an input element, a drive train as an output element, and first and second motor-generators. A specified relationship among inertias of rotating systems relating to the prime mover, output element, and first and second motor-generators, a first lever ratio of a distance between an input element and the first motor-generator to a distance between the input and output elements, and a second lever ratio of a distance between the output element and the second motor-generator to the distance between the input and output elements is determined, so that a center of gravity of a lever on an alignment chart of the hybrid transmission is laid out on the output element or between the output element and the second motor-generator.

Abstract: A power distributing mechanism distributes a power at a first axis from the engine to a second axis coupled to a motor generator, and a third axis coupled to a compressor for air conditioning. A clutch mechanism provides the connection/disconnection of the second axis to/from the third axis, and a lock mechanism provides the locking and unlocking of rotation of the third axis. The control unit inhibits switching operations of the clutch mechanism and lock mechanism for a startup transition period of the engine and a to-stop transition period of the engine and controls the inverter to suppress the operation of the motor generator in the generator mode for a startup transition period of the compressor and a to-stop transition period of the compressor, while the engine is running.

Abstract: A control system for use with a master engine and one or more slave engines. The master engine produces a master torque and the slave engines produce slave torques. The master engine and the slave engines have computers that control fueling to the engines. The control system of the invention includes an interface between the control computer for the master engine and the control computers for the slave engines. The master control computer controls the slave control computers through the interface, such that the slave torques are a function of the master torque.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle which comprises an engine and a motor-generator that is capable of generating electrical power as power sources, and in which the power of at least one of the engine and the motor-generator is transmitted to an output shaft for driving the hybrid vehicle. The control device comprises a battery which is capable of supplying energy to the motor-generator, a state of charge measuring section for measuring the state of charge of the battery, and a drive control section that preliminarily stores information of a motor drive permissible vehicle speed below which a motor drive mode, in which the engine outputs no power and the motor is operated solely for driving the hybrid vehicle, is employed. The drive control section is adapted to control so to increase the motor drive permissible vehicle speed when the state of charge of the battery measured by the state of charge measuring section is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A first exhaust turbo rotary machine is able to assist turbo supercharging by operating as a motor on power generated in a second rotary machine connected to a power axis of an engine. Also, when exhaust energy is large, the first turbo rotary machine operates as a generator so as to make the second rotary machine connected to the engine motive power axis operate electrically, thereby making it possible to add exhaust energy to the engine motive power axis. Consequently, that which results is a compound engine dynamo-electric machine that improves total efficiency of the engine by adding exhaust energy, which is otherwise discarded, to the engine motive power axis. This arrangement increases engine torque in a speed region where exhaust pressure is low by utilizing part of the engine's motive power as a supercharging driving force.

Abstract: A hybrid engine, having a plurality of coupled expansible chamber devices, preferably a piston in a cylinder, each capable of operating in any one of an internal combustion mode, an air pump/compressor mode and an air motor mode. The modes are controlled by a microcontroller which controls the valves, ignition source and fuel source. The mode for each expansible chamber device is computed and independently selected by the microcontroller and the combination of modes at any instant is switched to optimize engine operation for the operating conditions at that instant.

Abstract: A control system for use with a master engine and one or more slave engines. The master engine produces a master torque and the slave engines produce slave torques. The master engine and the slave engines have computers that control fueling to the engines. The control system of the invention includes an interface between the control computer for the master engine and the control computers for the slave engines. The master control computer controls the slave control computers through the interface, such that the slave torques are a function of the master torque.

Abstract: A hybrid engine, having a plurality of coupled expansible chamber devices, preferably a piston in a cylinder, each capable of operating in any one of an internal combustion mode, an air pump/compressor mode and an air motor mode. The modes are controlled by a microcontroller which controls the valves, ignition source and fuel source. The mode for each expansible chamber device is computed and independently selected by the microcontroller and the combination of modes at any instant is switched to optimize engine operation for the operating conditions at that instant.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive includes an internal-combustion engine, at least one electric machine, and a clutch device by which the electric machine can be connected in a drive relationship with the internal-combustion engine. At least one auxiliary device (34, 36) can be connected in a drive relationship with the electric machine.

Abstract: A motor assist control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor includes a first map that executes power-generating operation of the motor from both engine rotational speed and engine load during traveling of the hybrid vehicle. A second map executes driving operation of the electric motor when the load detected by a load detector exceeds a set value during traveling of the hybrid vehicle. A use demand input switch inputs a second map use demand input signal by manual operation. A controller executes both drive and power-generating operations for the motor based on a driving state of the hybrid vehicle and a driving state of the engine. The control apparatus executes a drive operation for the electric motor and switches over use to the second map when a use demand signal is input and when second map use conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor as driving sources for the vehicle, in which when it is detected that an air-fuel ratio of a supply air-fuel mixture to the engine changed to the lean side value (S44˜S46), the electric motor (2) is made operative as a motor in order to assist an output of the engine just after the detection (S47, S48). When it is detected that the air-fuel ratio of the supply air-fuel mixture changed to the rich side value (S44, S52, S53), the electric motor (2) is made operative as a generator for the purpose of the regeneration braking just after the detection (S54, S55). An output torque difference of the engine, therefore, when the air-fuel ratio of the supply air-fuel mixture changes can be sufficiently compensated without a time delay.

Abstract: Hybrid propulsion system comprising an internal-combustion engine (1) rotatably connected to a reversible electrical machine (2), a rechargeable battery (3), an electric driving motor (7), control apparatus (8) commanding first switching device (4, 5) for selectively connecting the battery (3) to the electric driving motor (7) and/or the reversible electrical machine (2). When the electric driving motor (7) is supplied with the current flowing in from the battery (3), said control apparatus (8) monitor the voltage at the poles (3P, 3N) of the battery (3). When the motor (7) is at least partially supplied with the current generated by the reversible electrical machine (2), owing to the latter being driven rotatably by the internal-combustion engine (1), the same control apparatus (8) monitor the voltage at the poles (2P, 2N) of the reversible electrical machine (2).

Abstract: Computerized system and method for controlling a plurality of internal combustion engines are provided. The system includes a respective speed sensor coupled to a corresponding engine to supply a respective speed sensor signal indicative of each engine's speed. The system further includes an electronic control unit coupled to receive each respective speed sensor signal. The control unit in turn includes a comparator module configured to compare each speed sensor signal relative to one another and supply a comparator output signal based on the magnitude of any differences between the engine speed signals. A processor module is responsive to the comparator output signal to adjust one or more engine operational parameters of one or more of the plurality of engines.

Abstract: An energy control unit for a hybrid vehicle is operable to control stored energy of an energy storage unit such that the energy level of the hybrid vehicle is maintained substantially at a desired magnitude. The energy level of the hybrid vehicle is a function of at least: (i) mechanical kinetic energy of the hybrid vehicle; (ii) mechanical potential energy of the hybrid vehicle; and (iii) potential energy of the energy storage unit.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a hybrid vehicle with an engine, a motor, and a power storage unit. The control system comprises: an assist trigger threshold value setting device for setting a throttle opening state when the motor starts assist for the output from the engine; a throttle opening state lower limit setting device for setting a lower limit by subtracting a predetermined value from the threshold value obtained by the assist trigger threshold value setting device; a generation reduction device for gradually reducing the generation by the motor between the lower limit and the threshold value so that the generation finally becomes zero when the present throttle opening state reaches the threshold value, when the vehicle shifts from a generation state, in which the motor acts as a generator and the output is supplied only from the engine, to an output assist state in which the motor assists the output.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle that minimizes vehicle fuel-consumption. A fuel consumption coefficient relating to overall efficiency of a hybrid engine is calculated. An engine operating point whereat this fuel-consumption coefficient is optimized is then determined, and the engine is controlled to operate at the determined engine operating point. When such control is performed, overall engine efficiency in all operating regions can be optimized, and further improvements in fuel consumption can be realized.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, there is a shock in a transient period when a driving condition of an internal combustion engine is shifted from a loaded driving state for power generation, in which a load is applied to the internal combustion engine by a motor generator, to a non-loaded driving state for idling or motoring, in which no load is applied to the internal combustion engine. A hybrid power output apparatus of the present invention, in which the motor generator is mechanically linked with the internal combustion engine, prevents an abrupt change in output torque from the motor generator in the transient period from the loaded driving state to the non-loaded driving state. One procedure to attain this object sets the minimum revolving speed of the internal combustion engine in the loaded driving state to be greater than the revolving speed in the non-loaded driving state by approximately 200 rpm.

Abstract: A control device for a sucked air quantity of an engine comprises an accelerator pedal opening degree sensor for detecting an opening degree of an accelerator pedal; a throttle valve opening degree sensor for detecting an opening degree of a throttle valve; a throttle valve actuator for controlling the opening degree of the throttle valve in accordance with outputs of both the accelerator pedal opening degree sensor and the throttle valve opening degree sensor; a first fully-closed state detecting switch for detecting a fully-closed state of the accelerator pedal; a second fully-closed state detecting switch for detecting a fully-closed state of the throttle valve; and an abnormality determining means for determining that the control device for a sucked air quantity is abnormal when the throttle valve is not in the fully-closed state in case that the accelerator pedal is in the fully-closed state.

Abstract: A helper drive apparatus for a turbine drive system in which a load is mainly driven by a turbine and a helper motor is used for assisting the drive for the load, comprising: a turbine control circuit, coupled to the turbine, for controlling output power of the turbine in accordance with a turbine power reference signal; a motor control circuit, coupled to the helper motor, for controlling output power of the helper motor in accordance with a motor power reference signal; a speed control means, coupled to the turbine, for detecting a difference between a given speed reference signal and a speed signal indicating an operation speed of the turbine, and providing a master power reference signal representing the difference; and a power sharing ratio control circuit, coupled to the speed control circuit, turbine control circuit, and motor control circuit, and being responsive to a given power sharing instruction signal, for sharing the master power reference signal to the turbine power reference signal and the mot

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a primary engine unit and an auxiliary engine unit, in which a clutch of the auxiliary engine unit is engaged at a proper phase difference between both engine units.

Abstract: The invention is practiced by providing a plurality of turbine-driven systems each producing an output proportional to a respective control signal, means for generating a respective first output signal for each of the turbine-driven systems proportional to a respective first system-output indicating parameter, means for generating a respective error signal for each of the turbine-driven systems proportional to any deviation of a respective second system-output indicating parameter from a respective complementary portion of the combined second system-output parameters of the systems, and means for generating the respective control signal of each of said turbine-driven systems and proportional to any deviations of respective ones of the first output signal and the error signal from a respective predetermined reference value of said first parameter, whereby a predetermined relationship of the individual outputs of the turbine-driven systems is maintained.

Abstract: A control system is provided for turbines in the utility part of an industrial plant using cogeneration so that control is maintained over the relative quantities of steam supplied to a common steam header from both the back pressure and the extraction turbines where the header supplies process steam at a predetermined pressure. The steam flow from a stage of the extraction turbine is controlled to maintain the header pressure at its desired value. The steam flow thus controlled is measured and a control means is provided to control the steam flow from a back pressure turbine supplying the same header so as to maintain a predetermined relationship between the two steam flows while maintaining electrical generation from the generators driven by the turbine at a maximum consistent with maintenance of an adequate control range for the header pressure control.

Abstract: A thermal engine and energy accumulating flywheel are operatively connected to propel a vehicle, and a regulating means regulates the thermal engine to generally produce a limited constant maximum quantity of energy marginally in excess of that energy necessary to propel the vehicle under a constant desired operating condition. Sufficient energy accumulates in the energy storage flywheel to provide intermittent quantities of energy in a excess of that available from the thermal engine for propelling the vehicle. In this manner, fuel consumption by the thermal engine is significantly reduced and the amount of pollutants emitted is reduced, since the thermal engine is operated in a relatively constant condition to supply energy slightly in excess of that necessary for propelling that vehicle at a constant desired operating condition.

Abstract: A power plant including dual steam turbine-generators connected to pass superheat and reheat steam from a steam generator which derives heat from the coolant gas of a high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor. Associated with each turbine is a bypass line to conduct superheat steam in parallel with a high pressure turbine portion, and a bypass line to conduct superheat steam in parallel with a lower pressure turbine portion. Auxiliary steam turbines pass a portion of the steam flow to the reheater of the steam generator and drive gas blowers which circulate the coolant gas through the reactor and the steam source. Apparatus and method are disclosed for loading or unloading a turbine-generator while the other produces a steady power output. During such loading or unloading, the steam flows through the turbine portions are coordinated with the steam flows through the bypass lines for protection of the steam generator, and the pressure of reheated steam is regulated for improved performance of the gas blowers.

Abstract: An electric power plant having dual turbine-generators connected to a steam source that includes a high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactor. Each turbine comprises a high pressure portion operated by superheat steam and an intermediate-low pressure portion operated by reheat steam; a bypass line is connected across each turbine portion to permit a desired minimum flow of steam from the source at times when the combined flow of steam through the turbine is less than the minimum. Coolant gas is propelled through the reactor by a circulator which is driven by an auxiliary turbine which uses steam exhausted from the high pressure portions and their bypass lines. The pressure of the reheat steam is controlled by a single proportional-plus-integral controller which governs the steam flow through the bypass lines associated with the intermediate-low pressure portions.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for a high temperature gas cooled reactor power plant, wherein a steam source derives heat from the reactor coolant gas to generate superheated and reheated steam in respective superheater and reheater sections that are included in the steam source. Each of dual turbine-generators includes a high pressure turbine to pass superheated steam and an associated intermediate low pressure turbine to pass reheated steam. A first admission valve means is connected to govern a flow of superheated steam through a high pressure turbine, and a second admission valve means is connected to govern a flow of reheated steam through an intermediate-low pressure turbine. A bypass line and bypass valve means connected therein are connected across a second admission valve means and its intermediate-low pressure turbine.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for the auxiliary aggregates of a motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine which includes an electrical power supply system with a generator and a battery; only those auxiliary aggregates which have a power requirement dependent on the rotational speeds are thereby driven from the internal combustion engine as heretofore whereas all auxiliary aggregates which have a power requirement independent of the rotational speed are driven in common from an electrical motor operating at substantially constant rotational speed and fed from the electrical power supply system; a thermionic converter operable by means of the fuel of the motor vehicle is thereby provided as generator.

Abstract: A control system for a marine turbine power plant is disclosed wherein the input signal to an electrohydraulic valve positioning circuit for ahead and astern turbines may be directly related to a desired valve position signal input set at a throttle lever. Hence, primary control is by a desired valve position signal. A speed feedback circuit is included and selectively applied to the desired valve position signal as a valve position trimming signal. Another input into the primary control or desired valve position is a malfunction proportional control signal which tracks boiler operation, shaft vibration and overspeed. The valve position signal is applied to the valve positioning circuit through a rate limiter which may be set at a fast, normal, or slow rate depending upon an input from a system interface board.

Abstract: The method of purging entrained air or vapor from fuel stored in two or more tanks in an aircraft, and more particularly in multi-engine aircraft during crossfeed fuel delivery when the aircraft is climbing to altitude, which method consists of reversing the fuel booster pump, or pumps, in the temporarily unused tank, or tanks, while all fuel is withdrawn from one tank to supply the engines, whereby the fuel agitation produced by the reversed pump or pumps effectively frees the entrained air or vapor from the fuel to escape to atmosphere through the fuel tank vent system.