Hybrid vehicle with cylinder deactivation

US8892330B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tula eTechnology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• 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: Oct 17, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 18, 2014
• Expiry date: Jun 4, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/92
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A variety of methods and arrangements for operating an internal combustion engine and one or more motor/generators in a hybrid vehicle are described. Generally, the engine is operated in a variable displacement or skip fire mode. Depending on the state of charge of an energy storage device and/or other factors, the engine is operated to generate more or less than a desired level of torque. The one or more motor/generators are used to add or subtract torque so that the motor/generator(s) and the engine collectively deliver the desired level of torque. In some embodiments, the engine may be run with a substantially open throttle to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel efficiency.