METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE CAPABLE OF OPERATING IN FUEL ECONOMY MODE
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a vehicle capable of operating in a fuel economy mode in which fuel is conserved by limiting operation of an engine, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a forecast temperature for a first future date;
comparing the forecast temperature to a threshold temperature;
generating a first control signal when the forecast temperature meets a first predetermined condition relative to the threshold temperature, wherein the first control signal is configured to disable the fuel economy mode of the vehicle; and
disabling the fuel economy mode of the vehicle in response to receiving the first control signal.
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Abstract
A method and system are provided for controlling a vehicle capable of operating in a fuel economy mode in which fuel is conserved by limiting operation of an engine. The method includes obtaining forecast temperatures for one or more dates and comparing the forecast temperature for each date to a threshold temperature. The method further includes generating a control signal if the forecast temperature for a given date meets a predetermined condition relative to the threshold temperature. The control signal is configured to disable fuel economy mode of the vehicle. The method further includes disabling the fuel economy mode of the vehicle in response to receiving the control signal. By disabling fuel economy mode at selected temperatures, the method and system allow the vehicle to preserve a sufficient state of charge in the vehicle battery for cold starts.
23 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a vehicle capable of operating in a fuel economy mode in which fuel is conserved by limiting operation of an engine, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a forecast temperature for a first future date; comparing the forecast temperature to a threshold temperature; generating a first control signal when the forecast temperature meets a first predetermined condition relative to the threshold temperature, wherein the first control signal is configured to disable the fuel economy mode of the vehicle; and disabling the fuel economy mode of the vehicle in response to receiving the first control signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for controlling a vehicle capable of operating in a fuel economy mode in which fuel is conserved by limiting operation of an engine, comprising:
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a generator connected configured to generate electricity responsive to mechanical motion of an engine, the generator having a voltage regulator that regulates an output voltage of the generator; a controller configured to; obtain a forecast temperature for a first future date; compare the forecast temperature to a threshold temperature; generate a first control signal when the forecast temperature meets a first predetermined condition relative to the threshold temperature, wherein the first control signal is configured to disable the fuel economy mode of the vehicle; and wherein the first control signal causes the voltage regulator to disable the fuel economy mode of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification