Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Ballard Power Systems Corporation

Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc.

Roy Inge Davis

Tod R Tesch

Robert Donald Lorenz

Li Chen

Raymond Ong

Stephen Stella

Timothy J Allen

A system, method and article for detecting a polarity of a rotor in a motor and/or a generator. In one embodiment, a rotor polarity detection signal is applied and a response thereto is evaluated to determine whether an estimated position of the rotor is correct.

Method, apparatus and article for detecting rotor position

A rotor assembly for use in an electric motor or generator where the mass of the rotor assembly is reduced with respect to conventional rotor assemblies. In addition, the rotor assembly is configured to be scalable to different sized electric motors. Within the rotor assembly, the rotor hub, the shaft, and the permanent magnets can independently or collectively be modified to have a reduced mass. In one aspect, a portion of the rotor hub adjacent to the shaft is configured with passages and spokes. In another aspect, an intermediate hub with lightening holes is provided between the shaft and the rotor hub. In yet another aspect, a large diameter hollow shaft replaces a portion of the rotor hub. In yet another aspect, the permanent magnets are configured to have an arc-shape, which permits the thickness of the magnets to be reduced without reducing the efficiency of the magnets.

Rotor assembly for a permanent magnet power electric machine

A closed-loop permanent magnet motor control method and system optimally partitions torque and flux-weakening currents to produce a desired torque without exceeding the capability of the DC source. A maximum limit for allowable torque current and a minimum threshold for the maximum torque current are determined, and the flux current is varied based at least in part on whether the maximum torque current limit is above or below the minimum threshold while operating in a flux-weakening region to compensate for the variability of the DC source voltage.

Method and apparatus for motor control

An engine crankshaft torque observer ( ) and method of operation. An engine combustion process ( ) is modeled ( ) to develop modeled pressure estimates of combustion chamber pressures in engine cylinders according to certain engine inputs, such as fuel ( ), EGR ( ), and timing ( ), that influence combustion chamber pressures. Kinematics ( ) relating reciprocal motion of pistons in the engine cylinders to an engine crankshaft and engine friction ( ) relating running friction of the engine to engine crankshaft rotation are also modeled ( ). A processor processes the certain engine inputs through the combustion process model to develop modeled pressure estimates which are processed through the kinematics model to develop modeled positive torque contribution due to combustion processes and through the friction model to develop modeled torque loss due to running friction. The modeled positive torque contribution due to combustion processes and the modeled torque loss due to running friction are processed to develop a measurement of indicted torque output of the engine. The combustion process model for developing modeled pressure estimates of combustion chamber pressures in engine cylinders is also novel.

Observer for engine crankshaft torque

A control system comprising a processor develops data controlling a combustion engine and a dynamoelectric machine arranged to interact with the engine to modify the torque output of the engine. An observer ( ) develops observed data that comprises estimated engine speed, estimated crankangle, and estimated engine output torque represented as an estimated average value torque component on which is superimposed an estimated alternating polarity ripple torque component whose mean value over a time interval of interest is substantially zero. The estimated alternating polarity ripple torque component is an input to a torque controller ( ) for the dynamoelectric machine which causes the machine to contribute, in real time, torque that substantially cancels the alternating polarity ripple torque component in the crankshaft torque.

Apparatus and method for engine crankshaft torque ripple control in a hybrid electric vehicle

A control assembly,for use within a vehicle,having an engine,and which selectively controls the speed of the engine,in order to increase fuel efficiency and to effect relatively smooth starting and stopping of the engine. Particularly, in one embodiment, control assembly,cooperatively operates with a starter/alternator assembly,and is adapted for use with hybrid vehicles employing a start/stop powertrain assembly, wherein fuel efficiency is increased by selectively stopping engine operation when the vehicle has stopped.

Growing community of inventors

Saline, MI, United States of America

Roy Inge Davis