Patent ID: 6050243
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: F02D,Y02T

Abstract:
A method for controlling output power of an internal combustion engine under reduced electric power conditions of an electrical system, the electrical system having a battery with an output voltage and the internal combustion engine having fuel control components responsive to an electric drive signal from the electrical system, comprising the steps of:providing an engine control command for operating the engine at a desired output power level;providing a threshold battery voltage level;providing a minimum battery voltage level substantially below the threshold battery voltage level;sampling battery output voltage level;comparing the sampled battery output voltage level with the provided threshold battery voltage level;identifying a reduced electric power condition when the sampled battery output voltage level is less than the provided threshold battery voltage level;determining a reduced engine control command for operating the engine at a reduced power level relative to the desired power level while the reduced electric power condition is identified;comparing the sampled battery output voltage level with the minimum battery output voltage level;identifying a minimum electric power condition when the sampled battery output voltage level is less than the minimum battery output voltage level; anddetermining a minimum engine control command for operating the engine at a minimum power level relative to the desired power level while the minimum electric power condition is identified.