Patent ID: 6073712
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,B60Y,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of power output level control for a hybrid powertrain system having a first energy source comprising a fuel-powered generator and a second energy source comprising an energy storage apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:monitoring for an indication of a desire to start the fuel-powered generator;checking if there is a predetermined level of energy stored in the energy storage apparatus;ending the method if there is not a predetermined level of energy stored in the energy storage apparatus;checking if there is a predetermined level of generator starting power available if there is a predetermined level of energy;reserving a predetermined generator starting power level amount from the energy storage apparatus if there is power available;determining if a predetermined generator starting condition is met; andreleasing the reserved power level amount to start the generator if the predetermined generator starting condition is met.