Patent ID: 9102313
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: B60L,B60W,Y02E,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a vehicle with hybrid-electric powertrain having an internal combustion engine, a generator, and a battery, the method comprising: receiving a vehicle start input signal from an operator interface; initiating a master controller after receiving the input from the operator interface; initiating at least one secondary vehicle subsystem controller after starting the initiation of the master controller; performing a high-voltage battery pack cell voltage balancing test utilizing the master controller; wherein monitoring a current flow within a high-voltage portion of the hybrid-electric powertrain; determining if the current flow within the high-voltage portion is within a predefined range of current flows; and performing the high-voltage battery pack cell voltage balancing test only if the current flow within the high-voltage portion is within the predefined range of current flows; balancing voltage within the high-voltage battery pack cells based upon results of the high-voltage battery pack cell voltage balancing test; closing a high-voltage isolation contactor after balancing the voltage within the high-voltage battery pack; and generating a signal from the master controller to the at least one secondary vehicle subsystem controller to begin operation after closing the high-voltage isolation contactor.