Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Jonathan R Schwarz

Ian L Hanna

Kevin S Kidston

Gregory E Smith

Damon R Frisch

Carlene M Sienkiewicz

Brian James Koch

William E Mazzara, Jr

Douglas C Martin

Vernon L Newhouse

Emily R Wu

James C Gibbs

Richard A Marsh

Paul E Reinke

Brandon R Jones

Jon K Logan

Susanta P Sarkar

Michael G Leffert

Don K St John

Neal A Chaperon

Eric L Mayberry

Thomas K Dye

Tyler J Pilgeram

A method for adjusting a variable rate of requesting software data for a computer system onboard a vehicle is provided. The method determines a number of ignition cycles executed after first software data has been retrieved; and when the number of ignition cycles is greater than a threshold value, reduces a frequency for generating a software request, to obtain a reduced frequency.

Methods and apparatus for adjusting a variable rate of requesting software data from a vehicle

An exemplary system and method for use in cold environments in order to heat a high voltage vehicle battery, such as the type commonly found in hybrid vehicles. Some high voltage vehicle batteries&#x2014;like those based on lithium-ion chemistries&#x2014;perform better when their battery temperature is in a certain temperature range. In an exemplary embodiment, a battery heating system includes a switch, a battery heater and a high voltage vehicle battery, and initially uses electrical power from an external power source to heat the battery and then uses electrical power from an internal power source to heat the battery. The switch determines which power source is used to heat the battery, and may be dictated by whether the battery heating system is plugged into the external power source and/or a vehicle propulsion system is active, to cite several possibilities.

Method for heating a high voltage vehicle battery

Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for programming a vehicle module. An exemplary vehicle includes a first module, a gateway module communicatively coupled to the first module, and an update module communicatively coupled to the gateway module. The update module is configured to provide authorization information and programming data to the gateway module. The gateway module is configured to verify that programming of the first module is authorized based at least in part on the authorization information and provide the programming data to the first module after verifying that the programming of the first module is authorized.

Programming vehicle modules from remote devices and related methods and systems

A method and system for heating a vehicle battery, such as the type used for vehicle propulsion in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Depending on the battery chemistry involved, such batteries may not perform well in extremely cold environments. For instance, a lithium-ion battery can exhibit a high internal resistance when the battery is extremely cold, which in turn can negatively affect the available power or other capabilities of the battery. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method and system take advantage of the high internal resistance in a cold vehicle battery by purposely cycling electrical current in and/or out of the battery so that heat is created. This heat warms up the vehicle battery and thereby improves its overall performance and capabilities.

Method and system for heating a vehicle battery

A method and system for manipulating, adjusting or otherwise controlling a state-of-charge (SOC) operating range for a high voltage vehicle battery, such as the type used for hybrid or electric vehicle propulsion. By providing a dynamic SOC operating range that changes in response to changing battery conditions, the battery performance may be improved so that the battery life is extended. Depending on the particular embodiment, the dynamic SOC operating range may have different combinations of hard and/or soft boundaries or limits.

Method and system for controlling a vehicle battery

Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for programming a vehicle module. An exemplary vehicle includes a first module, an authentication module communicatively coupled to the first module, and an update module communicatively coupled to the first module and the authentication module. The update module is configured to obtain a programming update for the first module that includes an authentication portion and a programming data portion. The update module provides the programming data portion to the first module and provides the authentication portion to the authentication module. The authentication module provides the authentication portion to the first module after the authentication portion is authenticated.

A system and method for controlling a state-of-charge (SOC) of a vehicle battery, such as a high-voltage battery used by a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for vehicle propulsion, so that the SOC is maintained within a desired SOC range that is temperature-dependent. In an exemplary embodiment, the system and method use a battery temperature prediction to determine a desired SOC range, and then control the amount of charge on the vehicle battery such that the SOC is maintained within the desired SOC range. As the battery temperature prediction goes lower (i.e., as it gets colder), the desired SOC range may need to be adjusted or shifted upwards in order to account for increased internal battery resistance and to ensure that the vehicle battery has enough power to start the vehicle. Similarly, as the battery temperature prediction goes higher (i.e., as it gets warmer), the desired SOC range may need to be adjusted or shifted downwards in order to reduce degradation effects and improve battery. The exemplary system and method control the SOC of the vehicle battery and may seek to optimize a number of different parameters, including battery life, battery performance and/or vehicle fuel economy.

Method of controlling a state-of-charge (SOC) of a vehicle battery

A thermal conditioning system for the energy storage system of a hybrid vehicle. At least one auxiliary air source, other than a permanently open air source, has a selectively operable actuator door which either connects or disconnects the auxiliary air source to the energy storage system blower, the air flow being selected to optimally temperature condition the energy storage system. The auxiliary air source preferably includes the HVAC ducting.

Air-based hybrid battery thermal conditioning system

A method for determining driver efficiency in a vehicle includes the steps of measuring a vehicle parameter, and calculating the driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the vehicle parameter. The vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver.

Methods and systems for determining driver efficiency in a vehicle

A vehicle gauge and method for displaying an electric mode status of a vehicle that can operate in both an electric mode and one or more alternative modes. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method evaluates a number of throttle and non-throttle conditions and allocates portions of the total range of the vehicle gauge to these conditions. Based on these allocations, the method determines an overall vehicle gauge position that is representative of the electric mode status of the vehicle and provides this to the vehicle gauge so that the electric mode status can be displayed to the driver.

Vehicle gauge for displaying electric mode status and method of doing the same

A method for determining driver efficiency in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of measuring a hybrid vehicle parameter, and calculating driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the hybrid vehicle parameter. The hybrid vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver.

Methods and systems for determining driver efficiency and operating modes in a hybrid vehicle

A vehicle and a method of operation. The method of operating the vehicle may include a method of controlling a creep torque in a vehicle having a powertrain configured to provide variable creep torque. The method may comprise the steps of: detecting a vehicle creep torque condition, determining a brake torque, and adjusting a creep torque applied by the powertrain based on the brake torque.

Method for vehicle creep torque control

A fuel savings informational system is provided for implementation on an alternative fuel vehicle the operation of which may be characterized by a first plurality of fixed parameters and a second plurality of variable parameters. The system compares the fuel consumption of the alternative fuel vehicle to that of a virtual comparison vehicle characterized by a third plurality of fixed parameters, and comprises a plurality of sensors for monitoring the second plurality and a processor coupled thereto. The processor is configured to recall the first and third pluralities, capture data corresponding to the second plurality, and determine the fuel consumption of the alternative fuel vehicle from the second plurality. The processor is further configured to estimate the fuel consumption of the comparison vehicle from the first, second, and third pluralities, and compare the fuel consumption of the alternative fuel vehicle to the estimated fuel consumption of the comparison vehicle.

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Clawson, MI, United States of America

Jonathan R Schwarz