Patent · US Expired

Dual voltage tandem engine start system and method

US6769389B2 · kind B2 · utility

18Cited by
4References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 26, 2002
Grant dateAug 3, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 26, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/72
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A dual voltage tandem engine start system provides a method for high rotational speed, low emissions, heat-engine start-ups in a hybrid electric vehicle. The system also provides a reliable backup system that can be jumpstarted in an emergency should part of the vehicle's electrical system fail. At start-up, a conventional low voltage starter motor (typically 12-volt) begins turning the heat engine up to a predetermined initial engine RPM. When this RPM is reached, a higher voltage motor/generator, in tandem with the low voltage starter motor, also begins turning the heat engine. Once a second, predetermined heat engine RPM is reached, the low voltage starter motor stops turning the engine, leaving the motor/generator to turn the heat engine to a final engine RPM where it begins fueling and combustion starts. This final engine RPM is sufficiently high to allow a low engine emission start once fueling begins.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.