Patent ID: 7967720
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: B60K,B60W,F02D,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a powertrain in a vehicle, the powertrain including an electric drive and an internal combustion engine, the method comprising: providing torque to drive the vehicle from both the electric drive and the engine, where engine torque is varied within an allowable range; when operating the engine at an edge of the allowable range, adjusting the allowable range based on whether a selected operating condition can be provided by the engine; limiting an engine torque commanded by a vehicle system controller to an engine controller to be within the adjusted allowable range and compensating limitation of the engine torque by increasing torque from the electric drive to meet a driver request; suspending the adjusting of the range if operating near wide-open throttle conditions, where the selected operating condition is engine torque; and suspending the adjusting of the allowable range based on engine torque if purging more than a selected amount or concentration of fuel vapors into the internal combustion engine from a fuel system, and adjusting the allowable range based on whether a vacuum amount is provided.