Hybrid powertrain control

US8880258B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tula eTechnology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Leo Breton · Washington, US
• Ronald D. Yuille · Sarasota, US
• Mark A. Shost · Northville, US
• Louis J. Serrano · Los Gatos, US
• John W. PARSELS · San Jose, US
• Matthew A. Younkins · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 19, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 4, 2014
• Expiry date: Jun 30, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S903/93
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and arrangements for controlling hybrid powertrains are described. In one aspect, an engine is alternatingly operated at different effective displacements. One displacement delivers less than a requested powertrain output and the other delivers more. A motor/generator system is used to add and subtract torque to/from the powertrain to cause the net delivery of the requested powertrain output. In some embodiments, energy added and subtracted from the powertrain is primarily drawn from and stored in a capacitor (e.g., a supercapacitor or an ultracapacitor) when alternating between effective displacements. In another aspect a hybrid powertrain arrangement includes an engine a motor/generator and an energy storage system that includes both a battery and a capacitor. The capacitor stores and delivers electrical energy to the motor/generator unit during operation of the engine in a variable displacement or skip fire mode.