Abstract: A control system is disclosed which permits operation of a Plug-in Hybrid IC-Electric Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) in either parallel electric hybrid or IC modes with a single accelerator pedal. The operation of the electrical equipment is optimized to provide maximum electric power as long as the battery has useable capacity while being completely transparent to the driver. This control system is particularly suitable for converting an existing vehicle to a PHEV.

Abstract: An ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48) is interposed in an exhaust passage of an engine (2) provided in a series-type hybrid electric vehicle (1), and a urea water injector (52) is disposed in the exhaust passage to supply a urea water into exhaust gas existing upstream of the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48). The engine (2) is started and stopped in accordance with the storage state of a battery (8), and the urea water injector (52) is controlled in accordance with the operating state of the engine (2). When the engine (2) is to be stopped, an adsorption increasing operation for increasing the amount of ammonia adsorbed by the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48) is executed over a predetermined period before the engine (2) is stopped.

Abstract: A vehicular system including an electrical sub-system, an engine generating a first torque to drive a crankshaft, an electric machine applying a second torque to the crankshaft, and a mechanical accessory sub-system applying a third torque to the crankshaft. The vehicular system also includes a control sub-system having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to (i) during idle operation of the vehicle, select a mode operation, of a plurality of system modes including a charge mode and a discharge mode, to stabilize a net torque being a sum of the first, second, and third torques, and (ii) control operation of at least one of the electric machine and the engine according to the selected mode.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery of an electric vehicle is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention enables an internal motor of an electric vehicle to be backdriven. When the internal motor is backdriven, it operates as an electric generator to produce electric power used to charge the electric vehicle's battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: This device pertains to the mechanical field used in the engineering of hybrid vehicles. It is new to the art by means of powering a car or hybrid vehicle by the use of wind power. No one has as of yet come up with a way to power a vehicle with the use of wind, this invention will break grounds on inventing hybrid cars using all types of wind turbine technology. It would increase the efficiency of electric powered engines as to decrease the ‘plug-in’ time of electric cars. It will provide another way to power a car without using any liquid fuel source, and using a renewable energy source.

Abstract: An input/output control device for a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle includes a current estimating unit estimating a battery current input to or output from the secondary battery based on an input/output power of the secondary battery and outputting an estimated value (estimated current (Is)), a current sensor measuring the battery current and outputting a measured value (measured current (It)), and an input/output control unit controlling the input/output power based on the estimated value and the measured value. The input/output control device controls the input/output of the secondary battery, using the measured current (It) as well as the estimated value (Is), and therefore can suppress more reliably significant increase in heating value of the secondary battery and its peripheral parts.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a hybrid drive and a transmission which is connected between the hybrid drive and an output drive. The hybrid drive comprises an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, an electric energy store and power electronics. The motor vehicle has a high temperature cooling circuit which includes a first radiator, for cooling the internal combustion engine of the hybrid drive, and a first low temperature cooling circuit, which comprises a second radiator, and a second low temperature cooling circuit which comprises a cooling system. The energy store of the hybrid drive and the power electronics of the hybrid drive are cooled, in a temperature-dependent manner, by way of the second radiator and thus by the first low temperature cooling circuit, or by way of the cooling system and thus by the second low temperature cooling circuit.

Abstract: A battery charge monitoring device for monitoring feed of electric power from a power source installation to a battery, the power source installation being disposed separately from a vehicle on which the battery is mounted, and the vehicle using the electric power fed from the battery as a drive source for traveling, includes a vehicle storage portion which stores therein vehicle identification information allotted to the vehicle, a vehicle side communication portion which performs a power line communication with a power source side communication portion of the power source installation through a power line for feeding the electric power from the power source installation to the battery, and a vehicle side control portion which controls the vehicle side communication portion so as to transmit the vehicle identification information stored in the vehicle storage portion, to the power source side communication portion, when a communication channel is established between the power source side communication portio

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) employing a hybrid system using both an internal combustion engine and a second motor/generator as a propelling power source for vehicle propulsion, and also employing a first generator driven by the engine for power generation, an integrated HEV control system is provided to control the engine, and the first and second motor/generators. The integrated HEV control system is also operable for detecting the presence of system failures and thereafter selecting at least one remedial action responsive to the system failures such that the system failures are corrected or minimized. The selected remedial action is also verified as being appropriate, monitored and thereafter executed.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system has a sealed, closed loop steam generating system connected to supply steam to drive a small turbine that drives an alternator or generator to produce electrical energy that is supplied to electric traction motors at the wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle. According to some of the embodiments, a cooling coil is associated with the steam generating system to facilitate complete and rapid condensing of the steam back to water. At least one battery is connected in the system to supply electrical energy during start up and as otherwise needed. A controller such as a CPU or PC Main Board is connected with the propulsion system to regulate and control distribution of electrical energy to components of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a charging apparatus capable of efficiently charging battery in view of power consumption and a charging method. The charging apparatus has a charging unit which charges a battery, a remaining capacity detecting unit which detects remaining capacity of the battery, a necessary charging capacity obtaining unit which obtains charging capacity necessary for use after completion of the charging of the battery, an additional charging capacity calculating unit which calculates additional charging capacity for additionally charging the battery based on the remaining capacity and the necessary charging capacity of the battery, a charging current determining unit which determines a charging current at the time when the charging unit charges for the additional charging capacity based on power consumption generated at the time of charging for the additional charging capacity, and a control unit which controls the charging unit based on the determined charging current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology are directed toward a kinetic energy storage system for capturing kinetic energy of a vehicle, converting the captured kinetic energy into another form, and storing the converted energy in a portable energy storage device.

Abstract: A control section determines either EV travel or HV travel to control drive of an engine. A ratio calculation section calculates an EV/HV travel ratio, and a display section displays the EV/HV ratio as a percentage. In this way it is possible to easily recognize the EV/HV travel ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for cooling a driving motor of a hybrid vehicle and a method for controlling the same which supplies suitable cooling flow according to temperature and temperature change rate of the driving motor. An exemplary embodiment may include: an electric oil pump to generate hydraulic pressure for cooling the driving motor; a switching valve to selectively transmit the hydraulic pressure to the driving motor; a solenoid valve to selectively supply control pressure to the switching valve so as to switch hydraulic lines in the switching valve; and a control portion controlling operations of the electric oil pump and the switching valve, wherein the control portion operates the electric oil pump by various operation amounts or stops the electric oil pump according to temperature of the driving motor and temperature change rate of the driving motor, and turns on or off the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A vehicle drive unit includes a motor as a power source, a power control unit supported by a vehicle body, and a three-phase cable that connects the power control unit and the motor. A first end portion of the three-phase cable is connected to the power control unit toward the rear of the vehicle in a direction orthogonal to a rotary axis of the motor, a second end portion of the three-phase cable is connected to the motor toward the front of the vehicle in the orthogonal direction, and a U-shaped swing absorber that is curved to extend in the orthogonal direction is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion of the three-phase cable.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control system for cold plate refrigeration and method of the same. The hybrid vehicle control system for cold plate refrigeration uses inputs from sensors which read parameters such as battery voltage, environmental temperature, vehicle temperature, door status, fan status, refrigerant pressure, and mechanical cooling system status. The hybrid vehicle control system for cold plate refrigeration then assesses the inputs and outputs commands to operate fans, a mechanical cooling system, and alarms. The hybrid vehicle control system is capable of both cooling a vehicle refrigeration compartment or initiating a defrost cycle with a heater and hot gas to heat the refrigeration compartment.

Abstract: During an operation of an engine, an input limit Swin and an output limit Swout of a battery are set to a power demand-based input limit Wp*, which depends on a power demand P*, and to an accelerator opening-based output limit Wacc, which depends on an accelerator opening Acc (steps S400 to S420). This control technique effectively prevents the battery from being frequently charged or discharged to a relatively high level of electric power within an allowable electric power range defined by the reference input limit Bwin and the reference output limit Bwout, thus restraining premature deterioration of the battery.

Abstract: In an electric drive vehicle equipped with a power generating unit that is detachable, the power generating unit includes a power-generating-unit side ECU capable of controlling an operation of the power generating unit solely, and the electric drive vehicle includes a vehicle-side ECU capable of managing a state of charge of a battery used for running, and in a case where the power generating unit is installed in the electric drive vehicle and power is supplied to the battery from the power generating unit, an instruction by the vehicle-side ECU is given priority to an instruction by the power-generating-unit side ECU, and the vehicle-side ECU controls the operation of the power generating unit.

Abstract: A device employing a consistent gap between two facing surfaces, the device comprising: a first electrode facing a second electrode, wherein an attracting force distribution attracts the first electrode to the second electrode; a power source coupled to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a magnetic field source integral or proximal to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to generate an electric current distribution when power is supplied from the power source, such that the current in the presence of a magnetic field counters the attracting force distribution to establish an equilibrium separation between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A power system is provided having a first power source including at least one engine configured to combust a first air/fuel mixture and produce a first exhaust stream. The fuel of the first air/fuel mixture may be liquefied petroleum gas. The system also has a first exhaust passageway fluidly connected to the first power source and configured to receive the first exhaust stream. In addition, the system has a second power source including at least one engine configured to combust a second fuel/air mixture and produce a second exhaust stream. Furthermore, the system has a second exhaust passageway fluidly connected to the second power source and configured to receive the second exhaust stream.

Abstract: A method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated using thermal energy obtained from: a combustion reaction; solar energy; a nuclear reaction; ocean water; geothermal energy; or thermal energy recovered from an industrial process. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material. The heat source used to heat the material can be: a combustion apparatus; a solar thermal collector; or a component of a furnace exhaust device. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be a device for extracting thermal energy from the earth, the sun, ocean water, an industrial process, a combustion reaction or a nuclear reaction. A vehicle is also described which comprises an apparatus for converting heat to electrical energy connected to an electric motor.

Abstract: When the shift position is changed to the drive position, the amount of oil that is supplied to an automatic shift unit is increased by a larger amount as the standby hydraulic pressure is lower. Therefore, even if the standby hydraulic pressure is decreased, the required hydraulic pressure is more easily achieved when the shift position is changed to the drive position. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the standby hydraulic pressure without slowing down the response to the automatic shift unit to the hydraulic pressure and reducing the useful life of the automatic shift unit. Thus, the amount of electricity consumed by the electric oil pump is reduced. As a result, it is possible to enhance the fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A hybrid power drive system comprises: an engine operatively coupled to a gearbox; a first motor operatively coupled to the engine; a first wheel group operatively coupled to the gearbox; a second motor operatively coupled to a second wheel group; an energy storage device connected to the first motor and the second motor, respectively. The gearbox comprises a first decelerating mechanism and a second decelerating mechanism. The first wheel group is operatively coupled to the first decelerating mechanism and the second decelerating mechanism, respectively. The engine is operatively coupled to the first decelerating mechanism and the second decelerating mechanism, respectively.

Abstract: A drive device of a vehicle includes a motor generator, a lubricant circulating mechanism lubricating and cooling the motor generator, a power control unit controlling the motor generator, arranged on a circulation path of a lubricating oil and being in contact with the lubricating oil for transferring and receiving a heat to and from the lubricating oil, and a casing accommodating the motor generator, the lubricating mechanism and the power control mechanism, and provided with the circulation path. Preferably, the power control unit includes a power control element and a board (120) having a first main surface on which the power control element is mounted. The board (120) is provided on its second main surface side with a radiator fin (390, 392 and 394) for contact with the lubricating oil in the circulation path.

Abstract: An electric drive system is provided for use in a vehicle that is operated in environments with stringent emissions and ventilation regulations. In one embodiment, the electric drive system comprises a motor capable of propelling the vehicle and an energy storage device coupled to the motor, and selectively couplable to a catenary line, wherein the catenary line is capable of supplying electrical power to the vehicle and to the energy storage device. Additionally, the vehicle includes a mining device that is operable to be powered by energy from one or more of the catenary line and the energy storage device.

Abstract: The electric vehicle includes a battery pack that can be exchanged at a battery exchange station. At the battery exchange station, an at least partially spent battery pack is exchanged for an at least partially charged battery pack. A battery bay is configured to be disposed at an underside of the electric vehicle. The battery bay includes a frame which defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to at least partially receive the battery pack therein. The battery bay comprises at least one latch rotatably pivoted about an axis substantially parallel with a plane formed by the underside of the vehicle. The latch is configured to lift, retain the battery pack at least partially within the cavity.

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 vehicle includes an internal combustion engine 1 and a rotating electric machine 5 as drive power sources and drives a wheel using a driving force of the internal combustion engine 1 and/or the rotating electric machine 5. A diagnostic control unit 700 diagnoses the vehicle while controlling the same. The diagnostic control unit 700 shifts an operating point of the internal combustion engine 1 to a plurality of diagnostic operating points to diagnose a catalyst or an oxygen sensor. Meantime, the diagnostic control unit 700 compensates for an excess or a deficiency in the driving force of the internal combustion engine 1 accompanied by the shift of the operating point by letting the rotating electric machine 5 perform a power running or regeneration operation.

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: The present invention relates to a water pump control apparatus of a hybrid vehicle and a control method thereof. An exemplary apparatus according to the present invention includes a thermostat determining a circulation path of the coolant, a coolant temperature sensor, a motorized water pump configured to pump a coolant, and a control portion for controlling the motorized water pump to circulate the coolant, if the hybrid vehicle enters into an EV mode or an idle engine stop mode if the coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. An exemplary method of the present invention includes the steps of suspending operation of the motorized water pump if the coolant temperature is less than a predetermined value until a cooling fan is operated, and controlling a driving speed of the motorized water pump according to a load of the cooling fan in operation.

Abstract: An interior lighting system which responds to changes in vehicle operating parameters, such as fuel economy, electric power consumption and battery recharging, by changing color of interior lighting. The system includes an engine vacuum sensor associated with the internal combustion engine and, when used on a hybrid vehicle, a motor power draw sensor associated with the vehicle's electric motor and a battery recharging sensor associated with the vehicle's storage battery. An array of color-changing ambient interior lights is provided and is operatively associated with the vehicle system controller. The sensors measure specific changes in driving parameters and send signals to the vehicle system controller for further processing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an air compressor system for supplying compressed air to an air consuming circuit, wherein the vehicle includes an arrangement for determining that the vehicle is coasting. The compressor system is controllable to deliver compressed air at a first power rate and at least at a second higher power rate, and it is controlled to deliver compressed air at the second higher power rate when it is determined that the vehicle is coasting. A method for operating an air compressor system for such a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: An electric and hybrid vehicle configuration with removable auxiliary power supply is disclosed which provides a flexible configuration for, on the one hand, allowing on demand increased range and additional power for accessories and/or increased performance when the auxiliary power supply is easily inserted in the vehicle to charge the battery in an electric vehicle and on the other hand, allowing for weight reduction and increased storage capacity or increased battery capacity when the power supply is removed. In another embodiment, the removable auxiliary power supply may drive the vehicle either separately or in conjunction with the charging of the vehicle main battery to thereby provide a hybrid vehicle configuration.

Abstract: A variable voltage converter (VVC) is configured to provide bidirectional voltage boost and buck from an input side to an output side. A VVC can include a voltage control portion and a battery charging portion. When incorporated into an inverter system controller (ISC) for a hybrid electric vehicle, the VVC can be configured to charge a battery during both high and low ISC dc bus voltage conditions. A VVC can be configured to receive power from an ac power source through a plug coupled to the VVC via a soft start rectifier. Accordingly, the VVC with integrated battery charger can be used to charge a battery for a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) from a standard ac electrical outlet.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for electrostatic air filtering in automotive vehicles, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The system includes an electrical distribution system and an electrostatic filtering system having discharge electrodes and an accumulation electrode. The distribution system is in high-voltage electrical communication with the filtering system as well as an electric motor and a high-voltage energy storage device in the vehicle. In operation, the distribution system distributes high-voltage electric power to the filtering system. The filtering system receives the high-voltage electric power to generate a high-voltage electrostatic potential between the accumulation electrode and the discharge electrodes to remove particulates from air flowing through a region of the electrostatic filtering system.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electrically controlled differential portion having an input shaft connected to the engine, an output shaft, a differential mechanism, and an electric motor which is operatively connected to a rotary element of the differential mechanism and an operating state of which is controlled to control a differential state between rotating speeds of the input and output shafts, (c) a hydraulically operated automatic transmission portion which constitutes a part of a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and a drive wheel of a hybrid vehicle, (d) a hydraulic control unit for controlling the hydraulically operated automatic transmission portion, (e) a mechanical oil pump operable by the engine to deliver a pressurized working fluid to the hydraulic control unit, and (f) an electric oil pump electrically operated independently of the mechanical oil pump, to deliver a pressurized working fluid t

Abstract: A multi-tasking power processor (104) for a vehicle electric system (100) is provided. The multi-tasking power processor (104) includes a low voltage direct current bus interface (201), a high voltage direct current bus interface (202), and a motor interface (203). The multi-tasking power processor (104) also includes converter circuitry (200) selectively configurable as a direct current boost converter and a direct current buck converter between the low voltage direct current bus interface (201) and the high voltage direct current bus interface (202). The multi-tasking power processor (104) is further configurable as a motor drive between the motor interface (203) and the high voltage direct current bus interface (202).

Abstract: An inflow conduit through which coolant flows into a hybrid radiator that is arranged in front of an engine radiator is arranged on an upper portion of a bumper reinforcement and attached to the front of the hybrid radiator. As a result, damage to the inflow conduit can be inhibited and the coolant can be cooled by running air before it is cooled in the hybrid radiator.

Abstract: An engine assembly (6) of the type running on liquid air or another gas that is substantially inert in liquefied state, for a vehicle in general and for an urban motor vehicle in particular, such as a bus (1) or a taxi, comprises a Stirling engine (9), in which the gasification of the liquid air takes place, with transformation into kinetic mechanical energy of the latent heat relative to the change in state of the air from liquid state to compressed gas state, as well as a volumetric or flow motor (11), in which the air in compressed state expands up to a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, with transformation of the mechanical pressure energy into kinetic mechanical energy.

Abstract: There is provided a wire harness which can improve the workability, stability, durability and safety. The wire harness 21 includes a plurality of high-voltage electric wires 22 connecting an inverter 4 and the battery 5, a protection member 23 protecting the plurality of high-voltage electric wires 22, and a fixation member 24 for a fixation with respect to a vehicle. The wire harness 21 is arranged to extend from a front portion inside vehicle 6 through a vehicle under-floor 10 to a rear portion inside vehicle 7. The protection member 23 includes an in-vehicle protection member 26, 27 and an under-floor protection member 28. The under-floor protection member 28 is a flat-shaped tube having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, is made of insulating synthetic resin and is formed into a concertina-shape having independent, circumferential projection portion and recess portion arranged alternatively in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A power plant which is capable of enhancing the driving efficiency and the power-generating efficiency thereof. In the power plant 1, the output shaft 3a of a heat engine 3 is connected to driven parts DW and DW via a first transmission 20. A rotating machine 31 includes a first rotor 34 having a magnetic pole row that has each two adjacent magnetic poles 34a so disposed as to have polarities different from each other, a stator 33 having an armature row that is disposed in a manner opposed to the magnetic pole row, for generating a rotating magnetic field between the armature row and the magnetic pole row by a predetermined plurality of armature magnetic poles, and a second rotor 35 having a soft magnetic material element row that is formed by a plurality of soft magnetic material elements 35a arranged in a manner spaced from each other, and is disposed between the magnetic pole row and the armature row.

Abstract: According to the disclosure, a power sub-assembly (3) for a micro-hybrid system (1) in an automobile includes an AC-DC converter (8) with a transistor bridge (13), an energy storage device (10) and a power bus (9) including at least two cylindrical conductors (22, 22?). According to the disclosure, conductors (22, 22?) include respective coaxial cylindrical surfaces (23, 23?). The power bus integrated in the power subassembly allows for a parasitic inductance that is by far lower than that of the standard cables in power subassemblies of the prior art, particularly in order to avoid overvoltage at the terminals of the transistors in the AC-DC converter.

Abstract: A component housing in a motor-vehicle drive train is sealed by pressurization of the housing interior. The component is a hybrid module (1) comprising at least one electric machine provided between the combustion engine (VM) and the gearing (G) of the motor-vehicle drive train. The pressurization is achieved by a rotating component (R, RA, M, F) of the hybrid module. The rotating component is designed in a manner similar to an impeller of a centrifugal pump. Therefore, rotation of the component builds up a positive pressure (P) on the radially outer region of the rotating component in the region of the housing (GE) in the interior of the hybrid module.

Abstract: The power sub-assembly (3) for a micro-hybrid system (1) in an automobile includes a AC-DC converter (8) with a transistor bridge (13), an energy storage device (10) and a power bus (9) including at least two substantially symmetrical and parallel conductors (22). The conductors (22) include respective substantially planar surfaces (23, 23?) facing each other. The power bus integrated in the power subassembly allows for a parasitic inductance that is by far lower than that of the standard cables in power subassemblies of the prior art, particularly in order to avoid overvoltage at the terminals of the transistors in the AC-DC converter.

Abstract: A system for a hybrid power unit of an automotive vehicle having at least one thermal engine, at least one electric motor, with an accelerator pedal that represents a power control means actuated by the vehicle driver, and an electronic control unit. The system includes a mechanism generating a first return force on the pedal. An electronic control unit is adapted, when an exclusively electric operation mode of the vehicle is activated, to control the force generation mechanism so that it generates a second force higher than the first one when the stroke of the pedal reaches a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy.

Abstract: A vehicular electrical system for a hybrid electric vehicle provides a high voltage electrical system having a high power electrical energy storage device (HPD) and a power inverter that cooperate to provide power to a hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system; and a low voltage electrical system having a low voltage power source, at least one accessory power load, and a control switch that toggles between an opened and a closed position to control the flow of current flowing between the low voltage power source and the HPD. A method of using the vehicular electrical system provides the step of using the HPD and power inverter to provide power to the electric vehicle propulsion system; and opening a control switch to isolate the low voltage system from the high voltage system and closing a control switch to charge the HPD.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes two drive units for generating driving torque, the driving units being operable jointly as well as individually for generating driving torque. A device is provided for defining a driver's intention, and a control unit is provided for processing the driver's intention and for generating a control signal for controlling the drive units. The device for defining the driver's intention is constructed such that a force stage with an increased restoring force exists within the adjusting range of the device. The control unit is constructed such that, starting out from a driving operation in which only one driving device for generating a positive driving torque is active, when the force stage is exceeded, a change-over from one to the other drive unit, or a connection of the other drive unit, takes place.

Abstract: A power module assembly of the type suitable for deployment in a vehicular power inverter, wherein the power inverter has a grounded chassis, is provided. The power module assembly comprises a conductive base layer electrically coupled to the chassis, an insulating layer disposed on the conductive base layer, a first conductive node disposed on the insulating layer, a second conductive node disposed on the insulating layer, wherein the first and second conductive nodes are electrically isolated from each other. The power module assembly also comprises a first capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive base layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the first conductive node, and further comprises a second capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive base layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second conductive node.