Patent ID: 7801662
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: B60K,B60W,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An engine power management method for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having power delivery components comprising an engine, an electric generator, an electric motor, a battery electrically coupled to the generator and the motor, and gearing mechanically coupling the motor, the generator and the engine to define a power delivery system with plural power flow paths as engine mechanical power and motor and generator power are distributed to vehicle traction wheels, the method comprising the steps of: determining power delivery loss for each of the power delivery components for a given vehicle speed and for a given total power command; determining a total power delivery system loss by comparing the power delivery losses for each of the components for a given vehicle speed; and determining an engine speed command corresponding to a minimum value for the total power delivery system loss whereby the powertrain operates with optimum total power delivery system efficiency.