Abstract: A battery system with cell groups arranged in modules and with plurality of modules arranged in individual battery sub-packs includes a controller network configured to monitor the sub-packs. The network includes a plurality of cell monitoring units (CMUs); each CMU connected to one module for processing data for respective cell groups. The network also includes multiple voltage sensors on each CMU, with each sensor detecting voltage across one cell group. The network additionally includes an electronic controller programmed with an algorithm and in wireless communication with each CMU. The algorithm identifies when electrical power is disconnected from the RESS and directs electrical current through a selected sub-pack after power is restored. The algorithm also interrogates voltage sensors of a particular CMU, detects a change in voltage triggered by the current, and records a cross-reference between the particular CMU and the selected sub-pack when the change in voltage is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle cooling system includes a wire harness WH electrically connected to a plurality of heat-exchange target electric devices, a J/B electrically connected to the wire harness and a high-voltage battery, electric device medium pipes routed along a routing path of the wire harness and used for circulation of a heat exchange medium through the heat-exchange target electric devices, and a path switching unit connected to the electric device medium pipes so that the heat exchange medium can be circulated, and configured to form a heat exchange medium path in which the heat exchange medium is circulated through the plurality of heat-exchange target electric devices. The path switching unit is provided in the J/B and forms the heat exchange medium path according to a heat generation state of the heat-exchange target electric devices.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system for use with a first prime mover and a transmission driven by the first prime mover. The system includes a second prime mover coupled to a rechargeable energy source, a split shaft PTO, and an accessory coupled to the split shaft PTO. The split shaft PTO is configured to couple to the second prime mover, and the accessory is configured to receive power from the second prime mover through the split shaft PTO.

Abstract: A high-voltage wiring structure in a vehicle includes an extending member extending in an extending direction which is a longitudinal direction or a width direction of the vehicle, a plurality of bulkheads respectively provided at a plurality of portions of the extending member in the extending direction, a high-voltage wire extended from a battery for driving the vehicle, and a pipe, in which the high-voltage wire is inserted, and which is surrounded by the extending member. A plurality of portions of the pipe in a longitudinal direction of the pipe are respectively fixed to the bulkheads by welding.

Abstract: Embodiments for detecting fuel events are presented. In an embodiment, a method comprises performing an action responsive to a fuel event indicated based on output from a hydrocarbon sensor positioned between a fuel tank and a fuel vapor canister. In this way, the hydrocarbon sensor may be used to detect fuel events and engine operation may be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a hybrid electric vehicle comprising an engine and at least one electric machine arranged to be cooled by coolant flowing through a coolant circuit of the vehicle, the engine and at least one electric machine being coupled in series in the circuit, wherein a bypass portion is provided arranged to allow at least a portion of the coolant to bypass the electric machine when the engine is running.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine; a rotating electrical machine that rotates an output shaft of the internal combustion engine; and a control unit that performs automatic stop control for the internal combustion engine. The control unit causes the output shaft to rotate using the rotating electrical machine, when a stop period of the internal combustion engine according to the automatic stop control is equal to or longer than a first period.

Abstract: A temperature regulation apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having a forced induction combustion engine and an electric drive motor, the apparatus comprising: a temperature regulating circuit carrying a fluid coolant; a heat exchanger for cooling the coolant; and a first coolant pump for circulating the coolant around the temperature regulating circuit; the temperature regulating circuit having: a first branch serving a charge air cooler of a forced induction combustion engine; and a second branch serving one or more electric drive components and including a second coolant pump for regulating the flow of the coolant through the one or more electric drive components; wherein the first and second branches of the temperature regulating circuit are arranged in parallel and the first coolant pump is arranged between the heat exchanger and the first and second branches of the temperature regulating circuit so as to be operable to circulate coolant from each of the first and second branches of the temperature regulating

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery system are described. The system may reduce engine warm-up time and increase an amount of time an engine of a hybrid vehicle is deactivated while the hybrid vehicle is powered by a motor. In one example, a phase change material selectively stores and releases exhaust gas energy from and engine to improve vehicle operation.

Abstract: A cooling air supply device (22) for supplying cooling air to an alternator (19) and an electric motor (20) for traveling is provided with a cooling air inlet port (24B) for taking in outside air as cooling air; a cooling air supply line (23) for establishing connection between the cooling air inlet port (24B), and the alternator (19) and the electric motor (20), and an alternator side cooling fan (36) and an electric motor side cooling fan (37) for sucking cooling air from the cooling air inlet port (24B) into the cooling air supply line (23). A dust separator (28) is provided in the halfway section of the cooling air supply line (23) to spirally circulate the cooling air and centrifugally separate the dust from the cooling air, and the dust in the cooling air is separated by the dust separator (28).

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes: a power unit including an electric rotary machine; an electric coolant pump configured to circulate a coolant that cools the electric rotary machine; and a control unit configured to operate the electric coolant pump based on a condition that a temperature of the electric rotary machine is equal to or higher than a predetermined operation threshold temperature, and a condition that an output of the electric rotary machine is equal to or higher than a predetermined operation threshold output.

Abstract: A vehicle incorporates an engine to which an engine-related component is attached, a battery charged with electric power supplied from an external power supply, and an electric motor as a driving source to which electric power is supplied from the battery. An ECU causes at least one of the engine-related component and the battery to be heated, using the electric power supplied from outside while the electric power is being supplied from outside, in accordance with a distance over which the vehicle can run by driving the electric motor alone and a distance to a destination.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately confirming fuel tank depressurization before unlocking a fuel door to enable refueling. Following a refueling request, a fuel system may be sealed from the atmosphere while one or more fuel system valves are adjusted to divert fuel tank pressure or vacuum to an engine intake. Depressurization may be inferred based on the presence of air or vapor flow into the intake as sensed by a manifold airflow sensor.

Abstract: A powertrain includes: an engine provided with a plurality of cylinders; a first motor generator coupled to an output shaft of the engine; and an ECU for controlling them. When misfire in the engine is detected, the output shaft of the engine is rotated by driving the first motor generator with ignition and supply of fuel to the engine being suspended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight multipurpose vehicle, wherein the lightweight multipurpose vehicle further comprises an engine run by petrol and natural gas, a three phase or a single phase electric induction motor sourced from batteries, paddles, inverters and a switch that allows the driver to drive the lightweight multipurpose vehicle by using at least one of an engine, or a three phase or a single phase electric induction motor powered by batteries or by paddles that have chains to transfer energy from the pedal to rear wheel, so as to rotate the rear wheel, to move the lightweight multipurpose vehicle of the present invention. The lightweight multipurpose vehicle of the present invention also generates electricity sufficient to power all electrical/electronic devices in house.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a locking mechanism on a fuel cap for refueling a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises venting a fuel tank into a vapor absorbent canister in response to a request to refuel and unlocking the fuel cap in response to a predetermined temperature change in said canister.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid automobile is provided. Only a drive force of the motor is outputted to wheels by stopping the engine while operating the motor when a required drive force is below a predetermined switch value, and at least a drive force of the engine is outputted to the wheels by operating at least the engine when the required drive force is above the switch value. The method includes estimating, when the required drive force is below the switch value, a switching possibility of the required drive force increasing above the switch value, operating the engine so that a temperature of a catalyst becomes a first temperature when the estimated switching possibility is above a predetermined level, and operating the engine so that the temperature of the catalyst becomes a second temperature lower than the first temperature when the estimated switching possibility is below the predetermined level.

Abstract: A vehicle system, comprising an internal combustion engine, a transmission enclosed within a transmission case coupled to a gaseous fuel source, the transmission case having an amount of gaseous fuel located therein. Housing the transmission in a case containing low density gaseous fuel reduces the power losses from air resistance and increases fuel efficiency.

Abstract: In a vehicle that runs by drive power of a motor in addition to that of an engine, a device for treating evaporated fuel is provided that may heat a canister and improve desorption efficiency even in a state in which there is little exhaust heat from the engine. A vehicle is provided with a first battery and a second battery. A canister is disposed in front of the first battery and below the second battery. Because the canister is disposed near to the batteries, heat is transferred from the batteries to the canister and an adsorbing agent in the canister is heated.

Abstract: A cooling air supply device (22) for supplying cooling air to an alternator (19) and an electric motor (20) for traveling is provided with a cooling air inlet port (24B) for taking in outside air as cooling air; a cooling air supply line (23) for establishing connection between the cooling air inlet port (24B), and the alternator (19) and the electric motor (20), and an alternator side cooling fan (36) and an electric motor side cooling fan (37) for sucking cooling air from the cooling air inlet port (24B) into the cooling air supply line (23). A dust separator (28) is provided in the halfway section of the cooling air supply line (23) to spirally circulate the cooling air and centrifugally separate the dust from the cooling air, and the dust in the cooling air is separated by the dust separator (28).

Abstract: In order to provide a hybrid drive system that suppresses a useless change of a pump driving path and that has a high durability, a plurality of drive sources, an output mechanism that outputs rotational power to an outside on the basis of those operation states, a control device that controls the operation states of the drive sources, an oil pump, and a pump input selecting mechanism that causes the oil pump to be driven with one of a plurality of rotary shafts to which power from the corresponding drive sources is inputable, are included, and the control device controls the rotation speeds (V1, V2) of the plurality of rotary shafts to unequal speeds by controlling the operation state of one of the plurality of drive sources.

Abstract: Vehicle system, comprising: —a hybrid powertrain (E, EMG, B) to drive the vehicle system and configured to generate electric energy; and —at least one electrically operable refrigerator unit (R) configured to cool at least one storage compartment of the system; wherein the refrigerator unit (R) is powered by electric energy generated by the hybrid powertrain.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle system utilizing the Power Take Off connection on an automatic transmission as a transfer port for a secondary device is described for both driving modes and stationary operation. The secondary device is a battery powered electric motor providing motive power or regenerative braking in driving mode or providing power to accessories typically mounted to a conventional PTO while stationary.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe structure for a hybrid vehicle includes an exhaust pipe, which includes bent portions and is connected to an internal combustion engine. The exhaust pipe includes a front-rear direction extended part, a catalytic part, and a joint part. The front-rear direction extended part extends in a front-rear direction of the hybrid vehicle and is secured to the hybrid vehicle. The catalytic part is positioned between a driving battery pack disposed under a floor of a vehicle body of the hybrid vehicle and the internal combustion engine, adjacent to the driving battery pack, and is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction extended part. The joint part rotatably joints the catalytic part to the front-rear direction extended part.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and devices for improving the fuel economy of a trip in a vehicle. Sensors are located in and around a vehicle so as to provide at least one computing element a plurality of date for analysis. The computing element may determine the driving environment in which the car is presently located and suggest through an appropriate interface changes in driving behavior so as to optimize fuel use over the coming seconds to minutes. The system allows for best possible fuel consumption during all phases of a trip, whether short or long.

Abstract: When the amount of heat stored in a heat storage container is greater than or equal to a determination value at the time of initiation of system start-up in a hybrid vehicle, heating by thermal energy stored in the heat storage container is carried out only on an internal combustion engine. This increases the engine temperature to a permitting temperature for intermittent control of the engine or higher, so that the intermittent control is executed at an early stage after the initiation of the system start-up in the hybrid vehicle. Also, oil viscosity in the engine is rapidly lowered to decrease the resistance to operation of the engine. If the amount of the heat stored in the heat storage container is less than the determination value, the heating by the thermal energy stored in the heat storage container is performed on the transaxle under a prescribed condition. As a result, the fuel efficiency of the engine is improved.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is equipped with an engine and a motor generator (MG2) serving as a power source for driving the vehicle. A catalytic converter is provided in an exhaust pipe of the engine. An HV-ECU estimates a possible EV-running distance based on an SOC of a power storage device for comparison with a traveling distance (L) to a destination set by a navigation device. When the possible EV-running distance is longer than the traveling distance (L), the HV-ECU outputs a control signal (CTL2) instructing prohibition of warm-up of the catalytic converter, to an EG-ECU.

Abstract: A vehicle incorporates an engine to which an engine-related component is attached, a battery charged with electric power supplied from an external power supply, and an electric motor as a driving source to which electric power is supplied from the battery. An ECU causes at least one of the engine-related component and the battery to be heated, using the electric power supplied from outside while the electric power is being supplied from outside, in accordance with a distance over which the vehicle can run by driving the electric motor alone and a distance to a destination.

Abstract: A rotational difference is generated between a first and a second rotor and a third rotor, which causes an induced current to flow in a first rotor winding. This causes a torque to act between the first rotor and the third rotor. The rotary magnetic field generated by the induced current flowing through a second rotor winding interacts with a second stator, which in turn generates an induced electromotive force in a second stator winding. The induced electromotive force is applied via a phase adjustment circuit to a first stator winding, which generates a rotary magnetic field and causes a torque to act between the first stator and the third rotor. The rotary magnetic field generated by the second rotor winding and the induced current flowing in the second stator winding causes a torque to act between the second stator and the second rotor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam powered turbine battery regeneration system for a vehicle hay an electrically operable drive system. The system includes at least one battery which is mounted within such vehicle and is connected to such drive system and at least one steam powered turbine which is mounted within such vehicle and is electrically coupled to the at least one battery. The steam powered turbine has a propeller fixed in a vertical plane and affixed to a horizontally disposed shaft mounted within such vehicle. A rotational movement of the propeller caused by a flow of steam enables the at least one turbine to generate an electric energy which is stored in the at least one battery which is used by such drive system to move such vehicle in a direction of travel.

Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure is provided which can lengthen a wheel base without increasing the size of a vehicle body. A vehicle front portion structure is provided with a bumper reinforcement of a front bumper, a power unit that drives a front wheel arranged to a vehicle rear of the bumper reinforcement, and a cooling unit which is arranged at a vehicle front of a dash panel, and is arranged at a vehicle rear of the power unit.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle is provided, in particular for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The drive system comprises a first and a second drive assembly (, a first and a second branch, at least one control unit and at least one output interface. The first drive assembly is connectable to the first branch. The second drive assembly is connectable to the second branch. The first branch and/or the second branch is/are reversibly connectable to the output interface. The drive assemblies are controllable by the at least one control unit such that the drive assemblies output independently from each other infinitely variable power.

Abstract: Air is supplied from a passenger cabin of a vehicle to an intake passage between the passenger cabin and a battery of the vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a battery-only electric vehicle (BEV). A signal indicating a blockage of air flow through the battery is generated in response to a difference in temperature exceeding a predetermined magnitude. The difference in temperature is between (i) the intake passage and (ii) the passenger cabin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid electric vehicle with a passive venturi pump are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises: during vehicle motion, passing air through a venturi coupled to the vehicle to generate vacuum; storing the generated in an accumulator; and, in response to a condition, discharging the stored vacuum to a vacuum consuming system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a catalytic converter's catalyst to an efficient operating temperature in a hybrid electric vehicle when the vehicle is in a charge limited mode such as e.g., the charge depleting mode or when the vehicle's high voltage battery is otherwise charge limited. The method and apparatus determine whether a high voltage battery of the vehicle is incapable of accepting a first amount of charge associated with a first procedure to warm-up the catalyst. If it is determined that the high voltage battery is incapable of accepting the first amount of charge, a second procedure with an acceptable amount of charge is performed to warm-up the catalyst.

Abstract: A battery pack cooling mechanism for a hybrid vehicle is provided. An opening is formed in a floor panel located rearwardly of the vehicle. An upper portion of a battery pack inserted into the opening is closed by a cover panel. The opening is formed in misalignment with above an exhaust pipe so that the battery pack is arranged adjacent the exhaust pipe in the width-wise direction of the vehicle. An air-intake device is mounted on a top surface of the battery pack. An air outlet port of the air-intake device opens frontward of the vehicle. An air outlet port of an air outlet duct opens more rearwardly than the battery pack. A filer element which removes foreign substances is disposed in the air-intake device. A service lid is disposed on an upper portion of the cover panel for maintenance of the filter element.

Abstract: A communication unit periodically transmits a request signal toward a prescribed range. When a transmitter exists in the range where the request signal can be received, it sends identification information in a responsive manner. A comparison ECU compares the identification information provided from the communication unit with a predetermined value, and if both of them match with each other, notifies a matching notification to a power source management ECU. On receipt of the matching notification from the comparison ECU, the power source management ECU notifies a lighting-up request for providing an instruction for lighting-up of a light-emitting unit to a body ECU. Upon receipt of the lighting-up request, the body ECU activates a lighting-up command LON. As a result, the light-emitting unit is lit up and notifies a user of the position of a charging port.

Abstract: A cooling fan control device for use in a vehicle in which a drive battery and an engine, both serving as drive energy sources, and an air conditioner of the vehicle are mounted, and in which a cooling fan for cooling the drive battery is provided, is disclosed. Cooling fan control means, which includes first drive condition determination means, second drive condition determination means, third drive condition determination means, and fourth drive condition determination means, compares the largest drive amount among drive amounts of a cooling fan which are respectively obtained by the second drive condition determination means, the third drive condition determination means, and the fourth drive condition determination means, with a drive amount of the cooling fan which is obtained by the first drive condition determination means, and drives the cooling fan in correspondence with the smaller drive amount of the cooling fan.

Abstract: A lock device locks a lid, which protects the inlet, and a power supplying plug. The lock device includes a helical gear rotated by the motor. A helical gear is connected to a control shaft. The control shaft is moved to a hook lock bar lock position when the helical gear rotates counterclockwise from the reference position. The helical gear is connected by a transmission member to a lid lock bar. The lid lock bar is constantly urged toward a lid lock position by a coil spring. When the helical gear rotates clockwise from the reference position, the lid lock bar moves to the lid unlock position against the urging force of the coil spring.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the electrical power consumption of an accessory device. A power transmission unit is adapted to generate electrical power. The system comprises a first controller, a current sensor and a second controller. The first controller is adapted to control the operation of the accessory device. The current sensor is configured to measure an amount of current being charged and discharged to and from the battery and generate a signal that corresponds to the measured amount of current charged and discharged to and from the battery. The second controller is configured to receive the signal from the current sensor and generate flag signal in response to detecting that current is being charged to the battery. The first controller is further adapted to control the accessory device to consume increased power from the electrical power generated by the power transmission unit in response to the flag signal.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle controls the various operating modes of the hybrid vehicle. Operating modes of the hybrid vehicle include an electric-only power mode, a series hybrid mode, a series hybrid dual-power mode, and a parallel hybrid tri-power mode. The control system selects one of the operating modes for the hybrid vehicle based on one or more inputs and comparisons. Examples of inputs for the control system include a gear-mode, a present battery storage capacity, a present velocity of the hybrid vehicle, and the previous operating mode of the hybrid power system. The control system may also take into account whether a user has selected the electric-only power mode. The control system may also control the operations of one or more components of the hybrid vehicle while operating in one of the operating modes.

Abstract: A device controls charging a battery with power supplied from a power supply located outside of a vehicle through a charge cable. The device includes a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer. The first microcomputer is configured to turn on a charge mode signal upon detecting a change in a pilot signal output through the charge cable, and to turn off the charge mode signal when a charge completion signal output from the second microcomputer is turned off. The second microcomputer is configured to charge the battery through the charge cable when the charge mode signal is turned on, and to turn off the charge completion signal when the charging is complete. When the charge completion signal is turned on at the time of the first microcomputer turning off the charge mode signal due to sudden fluctuations, the charge mode signal is turned on again.

Abstract: An electric vehicle powertrain includes a battery configured to couple with an external power source, a power plant including at least one three-phase electric motor, and a power controller configured to receive electrical energy from the battery and to controllably provide electrical energy to the at least one electric motor. The electric motor includes a stator having a plurality of electrical windings and a rotor having a magnetic field orientation, with the rotor being configured to rotate relative to the stator. The power controller is configured to warm an engine fluid by determining the position of the rotor relative to the stator; determining a DC current for each of the three motor phases such that the electromagnetic field of the stator mirrors the magnetic field orientation of the rotor; and by providing the determined DC currents to the electric motor to resistively heat the fluid.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic system of an automatic transmission, in particular in a hybrid drivetrain, in which the hydraulic system comprises a main pump that is powered by an internal combustion engine and/or an electric drive motor, an electric auxiliary pump and a system pressure valve for setting a system pressure, to ensure various operating functions. In addition to the main pump, the electric auxiliary pump also supplies the hydraulic system with a volume flow of an operating medium. The loading of the electric auxiliary pump is determined in an electronic control unit with regard to the value of the system pressure and the loading of the electric auxiliary pump is limited, by the electronic control unit, with regard to the selected operating function.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes an electric machine mechanically coupled to an internal combustion engine mechanically coupled to a transmission. A method for operating the powertrain system includes determining an engine stall threshold rate during engine operation in a low load condition. A time-rate change in an accessory load is controlled by the electric machine operating in an electric power generating mode in response to the engine stall threshold rate during the engine operation in the low load condition.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device having an output connection, which is designed to be detachably connected to a charging connection of an accumulator device of a vehicle operated using current, the electrical connecting device also including a supply connection that is designed to be detachably connected to a network connection of an alternating current low-voltage interconnected network. The connecting device is characterized in that the electrical connecting device includes an alternating current/direct current converter, which is suitable for converting the alternating voltage of the supply connection to an electric DC voltage suitable for the accumulator device. A method is also described for charging an accumulator device of a vehicle operated by current using an electrical connecting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preventing deformation of a plastic battery pack case for a vehicle, in which the side of the battery pack case is subjected to reverse deformation to absorb the deformation occurring after compression molding and to ensure the dimensions of a mounting portion of various components including battery packs, thereby ensuring an internal space of the battery pack case. To this end, the present invention provides an apparatus for preventing deformation of a plastic battery pack case for a vehicle, the apparatus including: a base having a case insertion space; a fixing portion for fixing a battery pack case inserted into the case insertion space; and a deformation producing portion inserted into the battery pack case and preventing the case from being deformed by pressing the inside of the case to be reversely deformed in the lateral direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for filtering a cooling duct of a battery for an electric vehicle. More specifically, a dust sensor is installed in the cooling duct through which cooling air is introduced into the battery for the vehicle and a variable filter is installed in the cooling duct to filter the cooling air and open/close the cooling duct via a driving unit. A control unit configured to control the driving unit according to a signal or sensing value from the dust sensor and a measured temperature of the battery. In particular, when dust is not detected, the cooling duct is fully opened by folding the variable filter. If, however, dust is detected an opening degree of the variable filter is adjusted to close or at least partially close the cooling duct according to the temperature of the battery.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining a mode of operation of a hybrid vehicle, obtaining torque data and speed data based on the mode of operation, and displaying component icons as well as a graphical representation of power flows. The graphical representation of power flows is displayed between pairs of the component icons. The component icons represent components of the hybrid vehicle including an engine, a battery, drive wheels, and an electric machine arrangement.

Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes a distribution ratio setting unit that reduces an output distribution ratio of a motor generator by controlling an output control mechanism for controlling the output distribution ratio of the motor generator relative to an engine and increases an output distribution ratio of the engine by an amount corresponding to a reduction in the output distribution ratio of the motor generator when a temperature of a battery is lower than a threshold value in a low-temperature region or higher than a threshold value in a high-temperature region, and a regeneration amount control unit that reduces a hydraulic regeneration amount for the hydraulic motor by controlling an input control mechanism for controlling the hydraulic regeneration amount for the hydraulic motor when the temperature of the battery is lower than the threshold value in the low-temperature region or higher than the threshold value in the high-temperature region.