Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Ford Motor Company Limited

John Czubay

Ming Lang Kuang

Fazal Urrahman Syed

Ryan Abraham McGee

Jonathan Andrew Butcher

Paul Martin Niessen

Dale Scott Crombez

Shunsuke Okubo

Shawn Harold Swales

Constantin C Stancu

Eric Hongtei Tseng

Elizabeth I Wooden

Leonid Basin

Norman Schoenek

Min-Joong Kim

Joseph Gerald Supina

Matthew D Smith

John Proietty

Marko Jaksic

Xiaohui Du

Matt Smith

Ajay V Patwardhan

A power inverter module includes a base module having a plurality of electrically conductive layers, including a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a third conductive layer. A first terminal is operatively connected to the first conductive layer at a first end and a second terminal is operatively connected to the second conductive layer at the first end. An isolation sheet is sandwiched between the first and second terminals. The first terminal and the second terminal include a respective proximal portion composed of a first material and a respective distal portion composed of a second material. At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal is bent to create an overlap zone such that a gap between the first terminal and the second terminal in the overlap zone is less than a threshold distance. The power inverter module is configured to reduce parasitic inductance.

Power inverter module with reduced inductance

A vehicle and a method for controlling regenerative braking may utilize the maximum available regenerative braking torque for some time during a braking event. As the vehicle speed and/or powertrain torque decreases, the regenerative braking torque is controlled to deviate from the maximum. The point at which the regenerative braking torque deviates from the maximum is chosen based on the level of vehicle deceleration. The regenerative braking torque is then smoothly blended out until it reaches zero. The regenerative braking torque is brought to zero when the vehicle speed is very low, thereby eliminating the inefficiencies associated with operating a motor at a very low speed.

Vehicle and method for controlling regenerative braking

A transmission includes a first motor/generator having a first rotor that is selectively rotatable about a first axis and a second motor/generator having a second rotor that is selectively rotatable about a second axis. A first planetary gearset and a second planetary gearset each has a respective first planetary member, a respective second planetary member, and a respective third planetary member. One of the members of the first planetary gearset is operatively connected to the first rotor to receive torque therefrom. One of the members of the second planetary gearset is operatively connected to the second rotor to receive torque therefrom.

Hybrid powertrain

A vehicle and a method for controlling regenerative braking are provided. To take advantage of regenerative braking, the maximum available regenerative braking torque is utilized for some time during a braking event. As the vehicle speed and/or powertrain torque decreases, the regenerative braking torque is controlled to deviate from the maximum. The point at which the regenerative braking torque deviates from the maximum is chosen based on the level of vehicle deceleration. The regenerative braking torque is then smoothly blended out until it reaches zero. The regenerative braking torque is brought to zero when the vehicle speed is very low, thereby eliminating the inefficiencies associated with operating a motor at a very low speed. This control of the regenerative braking torque provides a smooth and consistent feel to the vehicle operator.

A rule-based fuzzy gain-scheduling proportional integral (PI) controller is provided to control desired engine power and speed behavior in a power-split HEV. The controller includes a fuzzy logic gain-scheduler and a modified PI controller that operates to improve on the control of engine power and speed in a power-split HEV versus using conventional PI control methods. The controller improves the engine power and speed behavior of a power-split HEV by eliminating overshoots, and by providing enhanced and uncompromised rise-time and settling-time.

Hybrid electric vehicle control system and method of use

A method is disclosed for managing torque distribution in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. An engine power estimation is determined for use in obtaining an optimum wheel torque command to attenuate sustained powertrain dynamic oscillations during operation of the vehicle with varying wheel torque and speed.

Method for reducing driveline vibration in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain

A control method and system for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A filtered, profiled battery power modifier is used in calculating a final desired wheel power. Unstable battery power oscillations are avoided when a change in driver power demand is made. The effect of engine torque disturbances also is avoided during steady state operation when desired battery power is between limiting charge or discharge values.

Method and system for determining final desired wheel power in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain

A notification system for a vehicle includes at least a first and a second power source. The notification system also includes a controller that is operable with the first and second power sources and is configured to determine operating modes of the first and second power sources. The controller is also adapted to generate signals that correspond to the operating modes and operating limitations of the vehicle to effect an audible indication in the form of a voice message that may include a vehicle system limitation message for a vehicle operator.

Voice notification system for a vehicle

A method is disclosed for estimating engine power output for an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain that includes an electric motor and an electric generator. Selected powertrain variables, including electric motor torque and electric generator torque, are used in determining desired vehicle traction wheel torque and an estimated engine power. A calibrated delay in calculating estimated engine power following a time sampling of the values for motor torque and generator torque avoid inertial effects.

Method for estimating engine power in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain

Method for Estimating Engine Power in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrain

A controller and a control method for modifying battery discharge and charge power limits in a vehicle powertrain that includes an electric battery as a power source. The modification compensates for inaccurate estimates of battery discharge and charge power limits by using a closed loop feedback control based on error between a battery voltage set point and commanded battery voltage.

Closed loop control of battery power limits based on voltage

A vehicle and method are provided that control engine start in the vehicle. The vehicle includes an electric machine operable to provide a starting torque to the engine. The vehicle also includes a battery capable of providing energy to operate the electric machine. A number of battery parameters are determined, including a discharge power limit, an output power, and an engine starting power level. The engine starting power level is related to the discharge power limit and an amount of output power for the battery necessary to operate the electric machine to provide the starting torque to the engine. When the output power of the battery is at or above the engine starting power level, the engine is automatically started.

Vehicle and method for controlling engine start in a vehicle

A method for controlling power to wheels in a vehicle, the vehicle having an electric storage device for providing power to an electric machine. The method includes determining a first power demand for the vehicle based at least in part on a driver input, determining a second power demand based at least in part on the magnitude of the first power demand, determining a power adjustment based on at least one condition of the battery, and applying the power adjustment to the second power demand, thereby generating a wheel power request.

Vehicle and method for controlling power to wheels in a vehicle

A method for controlling starting of an internal combustion engine in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having multiple power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels from the engine and from an electric motor. A smoothness factor is calculated to determine how smooth an engine start should be. Engine operating variables regulate engine smoothness during engine start events as determined by the calculated smoothness factor appropriate for selected vehicle operating conditions.

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Troy, MI, United States of America

John Czubay