Patent ID: 7665557
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,B60Y,B62M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing idling time of an internal combustion engine powered hybrid electric vehicle that includes an electrically powered vehicle accessory operable in a hotel power mode to provide one or more conveniences to a vehicle occupant and a hybrid powertrain having an internal combustion engine driven generator and a battery, the method comprising: determining if the vehicle is in the hotel power mode; selectively powering the electrically powered vehicle accessory using the battery while the vehicle is in hotel power mode and the engine is not running; monitoring the battery state of charge; selectively starting the engine when the battery state of charge is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum state of charge; operating the engine driven generator to recharge the battery to a predetermined maximum state of charge; and turning off the engine when the battery state of charge is greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum state of charge.