Patent ID: 8392097
Filing Date: 2013-03-05
Classification: F02D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. Method to start operation of an internal combustion engine within a hybrid powertrain coupled to a driveline, the powertrain comprising the engine, an electrical machine, and an electro-mechanical transmission selectively controllably operative to transmit torque among the engine, driveline and electrical machine, the method comprising, in turn: closing an airflow path from an intake manifold into a combustion chamber of the engine with a flow control device located between the intake manifold and the combustion chamber; initiating rotation of a crankshaft of the engine exclusively with a starter motor while the airflow path from the intake manifold into the combustion chamber of the engine is restricted by the flow control device; continuing rotation of the crankshaft of the engine with both the starter motor and the electrical machine while the airflow path from the intake manifold into the combustion chamber of the engine is restricted by the flow control device until a predetermined crankshaft speed is achieved; and continuing rotation of the crankshaft of the engine exclusively with the electrical machine while the airflow path from the intake manifold into the combustion chamber of the engine is opened by the flow control device.