Patent ID: 7104349

Claim:
A method of operating a series hybrid powertrain vehicle with an internal combustion engine, comprising: operating the internal combustion engine of the series hybrid powertrain vehicle in homogenous charge compression ignition mode from a low power output to a relatively high power output, to produce a first quantum of power; converting a portion of said first quantum of power into storable energy; storing said storable energy in an energy storage device; sensing driver demand for changes in a desired quantity of total power output for the vehicle; meeting said driver demand at least in part through use of said storable energy in said energy storage device; and in the event of a significant increase in the desired quantity of total power output for the vehicle, adjusting the engine speed and engine load of the internal combustion engine in homogenous charge compression ignition mode at a predetermined maximum rate of change acceptable for continued operation in said homogenous charge compression ignition mode.