Patent ID: 8060267

Claim:
A method for controlling a powertrain system including a multi-cylinder engine coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission device, the hybrid transmission operative to transfer power between the input member and first and second torque machines and an output member, the first and second torque machines connected to an energy storage device, the engine selectively operative in an all-cylinder state and a cylinder deactivation state, the powertrain selectively operative in one of a plurality of charge states, the method comprising: monitoring a state of charge of the energy storage device; determining an effective state of charge based upon the monitored state of charge of the energy storage device and a range of available power from the energy storage device; determining a preferred output power to the output member; and concurrently selecting a preferred charge state for operating the powertrain and operating the engine in one of the cylinder deactivation state and the all-cylinder state based upon the effective state of charge and the preferred output power to the output member.