Method of controlling series hybrid electric vehicle powertrain

Abstract

There is provided a method of controlling a power-train of a hybrid electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, a first electric machine directly driven by the internal combustion engine for generating electricity, and a second electric machine driven at least partly with the electricity for driving the vehicle wheel. The method comprises adjusting the speed and adjusting the torque of the internal combustion engine, while substantially maintaining the intake manifold pressure, in response to a change of the desired electricity from the first electric machine. According to the method, the higher engine efficiency can be maintained, because the engine intake manifold pressure is maintained during adjusting the engine speed and torque. The engine speed may be adjusted corresponding to a speed of the first electric machine with higher efficiency and the desired output electricity. Therefore, both the engine and the first electric machine may achieve the respective higher efficiencies. Consequently, overall efficiency of a series HEV power-train can be improved.