Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is provided that includes an engine having a crankshaft and a motor/generator operatively connected to the crankshaft. An elastic member is operatively connected to the crankshaft and configured to be wound by one of the engine or the motor/generator. A one-way torque-transmitting mechanism is operatively connected to a first end portion of the elastic member and configured to overrun prior to winding of the elastic member. The elastic member is configured to be releasable to allow unwinding of the elastic member to rotate the crankshaft to restart the engine. A method of starting an engine on a hybrid vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A power supply of equipment onboard a motor vehicle equipped with a micro-hybrid system that can operate in a regenerative braking mode during which the energy recovered by a reversible rotary machine (1) of the micro-hybrid system is stored in an auxiliary energy storage unit (4). The micro-hybrid system provides a dual-voltage network including, on the one hand, a low voltage (Vb) for supplying a battery (3) of the vehicle and, on the other hand and at the terminals of said auxiliary energy-storage unit, a floating voltage (Vb+X) higher than the low voltage. The floating voltage (Vb+X) is used for powering the onboard equipment of the vehicle that may require high currents during short periods of time for the dynamic operation thereof. The power supply is particularly useful for powering an electric-assistance turbocharger.

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: Disclosed are a driving system and method of a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle driving system includes a generator to generate electric energy from rotating power input thereto, and an electric motor to generate rotating power from electric energy supplied thereto. An auxiliary drive wheel is movably provided to be raised or lowered. When being lowered, the auxiliary drive wheel is rotated in contact with the ground surface, to provide the generator with rotating power generated upon rotation thereof. A power distributor is provided to distribute the rotating power generated from the electric motor or auxiliary drive wheel, so as to provide the generator with regenerative energy, or to provide a drive wheel with rotating power. A control unit controls distribution of the rotating power by controlling the supply of electric current to the power distributor.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for coupling an electric motor to a power source, wherein the power source comprises a first conductive member. The connector assembly comprises a non-conductive member having an inner channel configured to receive at least a portion of the first conductive member, a second conductive member slidably disposed within the inner channel, coupled to the electric motor, and configured to be coupled to, and to receive a force having a first direction from, the first conductive member, and a spring member, retained between the non-conductive member and the second conductive member and configured to resist movement of the second conductive member in the first direction.

Abstract: A power boost system and method. An illustrative embodiment of the power boost system includes an operator interface having a system activation button; a vehicle system controller connected to the operator interface; and at least one of an engine system controller, a battery system controller and an accessory system controller connected to the vehicle system controller.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a vehicle having an electric power producing device and a power-plant operable to propel the vehicle. The cooling system includes a primary heat exchanger arranged relative to the power-plant. The primary heat exchanger is operable to receive coolant from the power-plant, reduce temperature of said coolant, and return the reduced temperature coolant to the power-plant. The cooling system additionally includes an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged relative to the primary heat exchanger, and operable to receive the reduced temperature coolant from the primary heat exchanger. The auxiliary pump further reduces the temperature of said coolant, and provides the further reduced temperature coolant to the electric power producing device. The electric power producing device may be employed in a hybrid vehicle, where the electric power producing device is a motor-generator operable to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) includes a motor generator (MG) and an inverter (14) driving the motor generator (MG). A power source apparatus for the vehicle includes a battery (B) as an electric storage device, a step-up converter (12) stepping up a voltage of the electric storage device and supplying it to the inverter, and a controller (30) indicating a target step-up voltage in accordance with a target state of operation of the motor generator (MG) to the step-up converter (12). If it is determined that a current operation state signal of the motor generator (MG) is abnormal, the controller (30) increases the target step-up voltage to a maximum value. Preferably, the vehicle (100) further includes a resolver (20) detecting rotation speed of a rotor of motor generator (MG). The controller (30) determines that the operation state signal is abnormal if an output of the resolver (20) does not satisfy a prescribed condition.

Abstract: A method of detecting a ground fault condition between a direct current power system and the chassis ground of an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided. The method includes sequentially opening and closing a first switch connected between a positive node of the direct current power system and the chassis ground of the vehicle and a second switch connected between a negative node of direct current power system and the chassis ground. The sequential opening and closing of the first and second switches charges and discharges an inherent capacitance present between the metal components of the direct current power system and the chassis. First and second currents are created as the inherent capacitance is charged and discharged. Measurements of the created first and second currents are then used to determine whether a ground fault condition exists between the direct current power system and the vehicle chassis ground.

Abstract: An energy gauge includes a first section indicating a remaining amount of fuel, a second section indicating a remaining amount of stored electric power and a baseline. The first section and the second section extend to the right and left with respect to the baseline. A sub-section indicating the remaining amount of fuel and a sub-section indicating the remaining amount of stored electric power are displayed continuously and integrally across the baseline, commonly starting from the baseline. The first section and the second section are arranged at the right and left sides, respectively, with respect to the baseline in correspondence with the positions at which a fuel inlet and a charging inlet are disposed.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly having excellent heat dissipation for internally integrated inverter hub motor for light electric vehicles and comprising of a thermally conducive ring, the electronic board consisting of multiple inverter switches, a potential secondary electronic board and a heat sink base, where the thermally conductive one piece ring is pressed down on the inverter switches to affix the switches to the hub of the motor thereby creating a mechanism for heat dissipation.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery comprising:—at least one negative electrode comprising lead-based battery electrode material and at least one region of capacitor material overlying the lead-based battery electrode material, each electrode being in electrical connection to an outer terminal of the battery, and—at least one positive lead-dioxide based battery electrode, each positive electrode being in electrical connection to a second outer terminal of the battery,—separator interleaving the facing electrodes;—electrolyte filling at least the space of the electrodes and separators wherein the capacitor material overlying the lead-based battery electrode material comprises 20-65% by weight of a high electrical conductivity carbonaceous material, 30-70% of a high specific surface area carbonaceous material, at least 0.1% lead and binder.

Abstract: A system for optimizing a trip for a hybrid vehicle, comprising a computer programmed to determine a route for the hybrid vehicle to travel, obtain altitude and terrain information of the route, and generate a trip plan based on at least the route and altitude to minimize total energy expended along the route by encouraging regenerative braking during portions of the route, regardless of needs to slow the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: An HV-ECU includes a regenerative braking control unit that controls a regenerative braking system based on the target regenerative braiding force indicated by a signal received from a brake ECU, a regeneration stop timing determination unit that determines a regeneration stop timing, and a regenerative braking stop unit that stops the regenerative braking system when the regeneration stop timing determination unit determines that the regeneration stop timing has been reached.

Abstract: A planning apparatus for use in a hybrid vehicle specifies a plan section for the purpose of creating a travel plan, and stores the plan section in a durable storage medium. The medium-stored plan section is then presented for an occupant of the vehicle, for the purpose of confirmation. The stored plan section may be modified according to an intention of the occupant, thereby enabling the occupant's intention to be reflected to the plan section. Then, the plan section reflecting the occupant's intention is used to create a travel plan of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A running locus generating apparatus 1 for generating a future running locus of a vehicle driven by a hybrid scheme comprises constraint condition computing means 30 for convergently computing a constraint condition including at least a road boundary condition and evaluation function computing means 30 for deriving a running locus by a convergent computation with an evaluation function including at least an evaluation of an electric power balance in a hybrid system when the electric power balance is positive in a state where the constraint condition by the constraint condition computing means 30 is satisfied.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an automotive inverter assembly has at least one component for cooling. The inverter assembly has a supporting body for supporting the at least one component. The supporting body defines at least part of a volume through which flows a cooling fluid coupled thermally with the at least one component for cooling.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a switching power supply device, an electronic member configured to output an electrical power adjusted by the switching power supply device, and a control device configured to control operation of the switching power supply device. When the control device receives a heating request from at least one of devices that include a drive device used for driving the vehicle and an air conditioning device used for performing an air conditioning in a vehicle compartment, the control device causes the switching power supply device to be operated in a heat increasing operation in which heat generated from the electronic member is increased more than that in a general operation state, and supplies the generated heat to the at least one of the drive device and the air conditioning device.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal provides feedback to a driver of a vehicle indicating that an engine is about to be started. This feedback is associated with a threshold position of the accelerator pedal. The threshold position may be fixed and a pedal mapping curve fit to pass through the threshold position. The threshold position may vary and depend on a minimum of the motive power capacity of a battery and an activation power threshold of the engine.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques that harness air/wind power to charge and/or re-charge a battery of a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered. In certain example embodiments, air/wind enters into a channel formed in a vehicle and turns a turbine which, in turn, generates electricity that may be used to charge and/or re-charge a battery of the vehicle. In certain example embodiments, the velocity of the air/wind may be increased within the channel by virtue of features including, for example, retractable and/or directional vanes and/or side wall elements that help create constricting locations (or choke points). In certain example embodiments, the velocity of the air/wind may be increased within the channel by virtue of features that produce the Coanda effect. Thus, for instance, both the Venturi effect and the Coanda effect may be used to increase the efficiency of the overall system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control device for a vehicular drive apparatus with a structure of enabling the suppression of gearshift shock occurring during concurrent shifting executed of a first shifting portion and a second shifting portion. When the concurrent shifting are executed around the same time in which a down shift in one of a differential portion (first shifting portion) and an automatic shifting portion (second shifting portion) and an upshift in the other of them are executed, a first electric motor is caused to control a rotation speed of a second rotary element (sun gear). Thus, a shifting progress state upon the concurrent shifting is controlled. This causes shifting directions i.e., variation of the engine rotation speed in shifting of a shifting mechanism to be set in a unidirectional, enabling the suppression of gearshift shock.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes an engine having a damper assembly secured to the engine. The damper assembly includes a ring gear. A hybrid transmission having an input shaft is mounted on the mounting shaft of the damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an engine face plate and a transmission face plate secured to the engine face plate. The ring gear is secured to at least one of the transmission face plate and the engine face plate.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) includes a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable batteries (B1, B2), a load device, a bus for supplying electric power to the load device, a plurality of voltage step-up converters (12-1, 12-2) provided in association with a plurality of batteries (B1, B2) respectively, a charging line (PCL) for supplying electric power provided from outside the vehicle to a connection point of the first battery (B1) and the first voltage step-up converter (12-1), and a control device (30). When charging from an external source is started, the control device (30) causes the first voltage step-up converter (12-1) to perform a rectifying operation for supplying electric current from the charging line to the bus in a case where a voltage of the bus is lower than a voltage of the charging line, and causes the first voltage step-up converter (12-2) to connect the bus and the second battery (B2).

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: detecting a catalyst temperature T upon start of an engine; outputting an instruction signal to drive a power module, which is disposed in contact with an outer surface of a catalyst and is high in heat resistance, with a low efficiency upon determination that the catalyst temperature need be increased; and outputting a valve opening instruction signal to a switch valve in a cooling system in such a manner as not to allow a coolant to flow in a coolant pipeline interposed between the power module and an electric part low in heat resistance.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle, in which an engine is connected to a first motor generator and to an output shaft through a power distributing mechanism (12), in which a second motor generator is connected to the output shaft through a transmission (6) wherein a torque capacity is varied in accordance with an oil pressure, and which has an electric oil pump (OPM) for generating an oil pressure, comprising: an oil pressure judging means for judging whether or not the oil pressure established by operating OPM is raised higher than a preset value; an electric oil pump output lowering device for lowering an output of OPM in case the oil pressure judging device judges that the oil pressure is raised higher than the preset value; and a cranking device for carrying out a cranking of E/G by the first motor generator.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A gearing assembly mechanically couples an engine, an electric motor and an electric generator. During all-electric drive using the motor as a power source with the engine off, a clutch in the gearing assembly isolates elements of the gearing assembly from a power delivery path to vehicle traction wheels.

Abstract: An engine system includes three different types of motors with complementary characteristics, which together provide increased performance and efficiency. The engine system generally includes a fuel-consuming engine (such as an internal combustion engine), an electric motor and an air motor. The air motor is powered by compressed air stored in air tanks. The air tanks can store energy much more quickly and efficiently than electric batteries. Therefore, the air tanks are a more efficient way of recouping the energy of braking the vehicle. The air tanks can be used to power the vehicle, especially at cruising speed, and can recharge the batteries over time. The three motors are complementary to one another in several ways which provide improved performance and efficiency.

Abstract: A charge control ECU stops a charge converter periodically or at a predetermined timing, and detects the open-circuit voltage of a solar cell through a voltage sensor. The charge control ECU uses a preset relational expression or map to determine the operating voltage corresponding to a maximum output power from the solar cell based on the detected open-circuit voltage. The charge control ECU causes the charge converter to resume its operation when the determined operating voltage is set at the charge converter as the target voltage.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery exchanging method which exchanges rechargeable batteries of an assembled battery to rebuild new assembled battery. The method includes discharging a rechargeable battery derived from an assembled battery until the rechargeable battery becomes a fully discharged state and storing the rechargeable battery in a storage region for a predetermined period of time or longer from when the rechargeable battery becomes the fully discharged state to prepare a reusable rechargeable battery. The method further includes rebuilding a regenerated assembled battery by combining the stored reusable rechargeable battery with a stored reusable rechargeable battery derived from other assembled batteries or combining the stored reusable rechargeable battery with a fresh rechargeable battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a parallel hybrid electric conversion kit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, a driveshaft and a transmission, such as, rear wheel drive vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, heavy duty multiple-driven-axle vehicles and/or all-wheel drive vehicles. The conversion kit includes a motor-generator, a torque coupler, a battery, a power electronics module and a controller. Suitable torque couplers include transfer cases and/or rear-through differentials. The conversion kit provides an aftermarket solution to increased performance, fuel economy and/or reduced emissions by modifying the drivetrain after the transmission. According to one embodiment of this invention, the control scheme of the installed conversion kit receives input signals from the engine and the motor-generator, but only sends control signals to the motor-generator, facilitating installation of the conversion kit.

Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid powertrain is provided. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain has an engine. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain also has at least one pump/motor assembly operatively associated with the engine. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain further has an accumulator fluidly coupled to the at least one pump/motor assembly. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain further still has a reservoir fluidly coupled to the at least one pump/motor assembly. The hydraulic hybrid powertrain also has a heat exchanger associated with the accumulator and the heat exchanger is configured to receive exhaust from the engine.

Abstract: A battery is arranged outside a compartment. A service plug is arranged in the compartment. The service plug is a shutoff device that can shut off an output path of the battery by a manual operation. When a vehicle is hard hit at the front and a circuit of PCU is damaged, an excessive current may flow to the PCU, possibly generating heat or smoke from the PCU. When the vehicle goes wrong, a person on board the vehicle may pull out the service plug, whereby the power supply path from battery to PCU can be shut off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid module for installation between an internal combustion engine (6) and the transmission (4) of a watercraft, the flywheel being located in a conventional way in the housing of the internal combustion engine (6). It is characterized in that the hybrid module (7) is external to the housing of the internal combustion engine (6) and comprises a housing (8), a generator/motor (11) within the housing, and suitable shifting elements (10) for optionally coupling the transmission (4) with the internal combustion engine (6) and/or the generator/motor (11).

Abstract: A modular and scalable power source can be used to supplement an existing source of power. In one embodiment, a DC source can be used to maintain a power source of a host system in a specific state in order to cause a desired behavior.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a hybrid electric vehicle propulsion energy storage pack from an overvoltage condition is described. The energy storage pack includes a plurality of energy storage cells electrically connected in series and electrically coupled with a vehicle direct current (DC) bus. The system includes one or more overvoltage detection circuits, a disconnect circuit and one or more connection verification circuits. The one or more voltage detection circuits detect an overvoltage condition across a subset of the plurality of energy storage cells. The disconnect circuit electrically decouples the energy storage pack from the DC power bus upon detection of an overvoltage condition across the subset of the plurality of energy storage cells. The one or more connection verification circuits verify that the overvoltage detection circuit is electrically coupled to the subset of the plurality of energy storage cells.

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 accelerator pedal provides feedback to a driver of a vehicle indicating that an engine is about to be started. This feedback is associated with a threshold position of the accelerator pedal. The threshold position may be fixed and a pedal mapping curve fit to pass through the threshold position. The threshold position may vary and depend on a minimum of the motive power capacity of a battery and an activation power threshold of the engine.

Abstract: When an ignition key is turn ON, an ECU drives a bidirectional DC/DC converter to charge a capacitor to a voltage Vth1. The ECU turns on a first relay only and diagnoses whether or not a second relay, which is off, is welded, based on a change in a voltage VL at that time. After the diagnosis on welding, the ECU turns on the second relay, and the capacitor is charged to a voltage level of a main power storage device.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an air conditioning system, an engine and a belt-alternator-starter motor-generator, and a method of operation, is disclosed. A torque transfer assembly, such as a pulley and belt assembly, engages the engine and motor-generator, and includes a clutched member for selectively disconnecting the torque transfer between the engine and motor-generator. A refrigerant compressor includes a compressor shaft rotationally coupled to and driven by the motor-generator shaft. The compressor may be driven by the motor-generator when the engine is not operating.

Abstract: An ECU detects an effective value and phase of a voltage from a commercial power supply, based on a voltage from a voltage sensor. Further, ECU generates a command current, which is a command value of current caused to flow through power lines and in-phase with the voltage of the commercial power supply, based on the detected effective value and the phase and on a charge/discharge power command value for a power storage device. Then, ECU controls zero-phase voltage of inverters based on the generated command current.

Abstract: A system is provided for the coordination of at least one switchable vehicle function of a motor vehicle, at least one battery charge condition threshold value of the energy accumulator unit being assigned to the at least one vehicle function such that, when there is an exceeding of or falling below the battery charge condition threshold value, the assigned vehicle function can be activated. Different battery charge condition threshold values can be assigned to the at least one vehicle function as a function of the operating condition of the drive unit, the temperature of the energy accumulator, the temperature outside the vehicle, and/or the age condition of the energy accumulator unit.

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: A drive device of a hybrid vehicle includes a motor generator and a motor generator arranged at the back of the motor generator, each rotor having a rotational center axis arranged on the same axis, a power split mechanism arranged on the same axis as a rotational center axis of a crankshaft and between the crankshaft and the motor generator, and a power control unit performing control of the motor generator. The power control unit includes a reactor arranged in a gap portion formed on one side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator and between a lower side surface of the power element substrate, an outer circumferential side surface of the motor generator and an inner side surface of a case, and a capacitor arranged on the other side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator.

Abstract: A method of controlling the ventilation system for an energy source in a fuel cell vehicle is disclosed, which includes an HVAC system, a fluid reserve, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), capable of controlling a temperature of the RESS to militate against damage to or a shortened life of the battery, while maximizing vehicle durability, efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort.

Abstract: Air is cooled by a heat exchanger of a vehicle. The cooled air is directed to a cabin and/or battery of the vehicle. Ports in the cooling path direct the cooled air to the cabin and/or battery.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to automotive technology, particularly relating to hybrid vehicles and their decoupled drive arrangements. A hybrid all-wheel drive vehicle is disclosed comprising a vehicle chassis, first propulsion means fixed to the chassis and second propulsion means. A first set of at least two wheels is driven by the first propulsion means and a second set of at least two wheels driven by at least one second propulsion means. A hybrid control is described.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle with an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor has a tank ventilation system that includes a fuel tank and a suction pipe leading from a filtering device, which can be regenerated, to the intake path of the internal-combustion engine. A control device is configured to actuate different valve devices for flushing the filtering device, so that ambient air can be fed to the internal-combustion engine through the filtering device and the suction pipe. In addition, the control device is configured such that, during purely electric operation of the hybrid vehicle, it connects the internal-combustion engine as a function of the loading condition of the filtering device or of the flushing gas concentration.

Abstract: A fuel cell electric vehicle that can secure a sufficient stroke of a rocked driving wheel, lowering the center of the gravity of the vehicle. A fuel cell is provided for generating electric power by reacting hydrogen and oxygen with a hydrogen cylinder for supplying gaseous hydrogen to the fuel cell and a motor for generating motive power supplied to a rear wheel which is a driving wheel based upon electric power generated by the fuel cell. The hydrogen cylinder is arranged above the rear wheel so that its longitudinal direction is along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle with an axis in the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen cylinder being located off a center line in a direction of the width of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A method and system to control transmission shifting in a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission is provided, wherein a command for a transmission up-shift is detected, and, inhibited, based upon operator input, engine speed, and vehicle operating conditions. A fuel cutoff event is immediately implemented, along with electrical energy regeneration using vehicle kinetic energy. Operator input includes monitoring accelerator pedal input, and inhibiting the command for the transmission up-shift when a tip-out event occurs. The command for inhibiting the transmission up-shift is discontinued when an accelerator pedal tip-in is detected, or accelerator pedal position is greater than a calibrated value, or when engine output torque exceeds a torque threshold, or when engine speed exceeds a speed threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrial vehicle having a hybrid system capable of readily controlling a distribution of power generated by an engine and power generated by an electric motor, and a method of controlling; the power of the same.