Patent ID: 8135532
Filing Date: 2012-03-13
Classification: B60K,B60W,F16H,Y02T

Abstract:
1. Method for controlling a powertrain system comprising an engine, a torque machine, a transmission device and an energy storage device, the transmission device operative to transfer power between the engine, the torque machine and an output member to generate an output torque, the method comprising: monitoring an operator torque request; monitoring a state-of-charge of the energy storage device; determining a first set of maximum and minimum electric power limits and a second set of maximum and minimum electric power limits based on the state-of-charge of the energy storage device; providing a first power range corresponding to the first set of maximum and minimum electric power limits; providing a second power range corresponding to the second set of maximum and minimum electric power limits; identifying a no discharge range and a no charge range between said limits of the second power range; identifying an opportunity charge and discharge range between said limits of the first power range; identifying a forced discharge range between said maximum limits of the first and the second power ranges; identifying a free charge range between said minimum limits of the first and the second power ranges; selecting one of the no discharge range, the forced discharge range, the opportunity charge and discharge range, the free charge range, and the no charge range responsive to the state-of-charge of the energy storage device; and selecting a preferred input torque from the engine responsive to the operator torque request and limited by the selected one of the no discharge range, the forced discharge range, the opportunity charge and discharge range, the free charge range, and the no charge range.