Patent ID: 7806095

Claim:
An engine starting assist system, comprising: a battery; an ultracapacitor; a contactor configured to selectably couple together the battery and the ultracapacitor; and a controller configured to: monitor the condition of the battery; monitor the condition of the ultracapacitor; control the flow of energy between the battery and the ultracapacitor in a predetermined manner based upon the condition of the battery and the condition of the ultracapacitor, the flow of the energy being controlled by selective actuation of the contactor; receive a start input control signal; and issue a start output control signal, the energy stored in the ultracapacitor being selectably used to charge the battery and provide cranking current to a starter of an engine in conjunction with the battery, and the energy stored in the battery being selectably used to charge the ultracapacitor; provide cranking current to the starter in conjunction with the ultracapacitor; and act as a sole source of cranking current to the starter.