Hybrid vehicles
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Abstract
A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle'"'"'s instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine'"'"'s maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine'"'"'s maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle'"'"'s load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.
26 Citations
36 Claims
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1-16. -16. (canceled)
- 17. A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electric motor, and a high voltage battery providing power to said motor, wherein said high voltage battery comprises a battery bank made up of series-connected batteries, wherein said series connections are made employing normally-open relays, whereby if control power to the relays is interrupted, said batteries are disconnected from one another.
- 27. A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electric motor, and a high voltage battery providing power to said motor, wherein said high voltage battery comprises two battery banks connected in series, each battery bank being made up of series-connected batteries, and wherein the point at which the two battery banks are connected to one another is connected to a vehicle ground connection.
Specification