Patent ID: 6664651
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,F02D,F02N,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for controlling idle speed of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle, the vehicle including a battery, a generator operatively coupled to the engine, an engine controller, and a vehicle system controller, the method comprising:determining whether a set of vehicle idle entry conditions are met, the idle entry conditions being met when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value and an accelerator pedal is below a predetermined minimum pedal position; selectively activating the vehicle system controller to control the generator to control engine idle speed when any one of a predetermined first set of operating conditions is present; selectively activating the engine controller to control engine idle speed when a predetermined second set of operating conditions is present; and turning off the engine when both the predetermined first set of conditions is not present and the engine has been in a current vehicle idle mode for a predetermined amount of time.