Methods of operating a series hybrid vehicle
First Claim
1. A method of operating a series hybrid vehicle having a primary power source comprised of at least one engine and a secondary power source, the method comprising:
- monitoring an amount of available stored energy within an energy storage device;
operating a first engine at or near a first power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined upper range of available stored energy, the first power level being a minimum power level for efficient operation of the first engine;
operating the first engine at or near a second power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined lower range of available stored energy; and
operating the first engine within a range of power levels when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined middle range of available stored energy.
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Abstract
The invention is directed toward methods for operating a series hybrid vehicle in a manner that responds to the operator'"'"'s demand for power output, while maximizing engine efficiency and minimizing disruptions in vehicle drivability. According to principles of the present invention, when the driver of a series hybrid vehicle makes a demand for power output, whether the secondary power source(s) is supplied with secondary energy stored in an energy storage device(s), direct input energy generated by an engine(s), or both, depends on the amount of available secondary energy stored in the vehicle'"'"'s secondary storage device(s) alone, and in combination with vehicle speed. During the time that the engine is used to generate secondary energy, the power efficiency level at which the engine is operated also depends on the vehicle speed and the amount of available secondary energy stored in the vehicle'"'"'s secondary storage device alone, and in combination with vehicle speed. Further, in some embodiments, when the engine is not generating secondary energy, the engine is selectively turned off or idled in response to various operating conditions.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of operating a series hybrid vehicle having a primary power source comprised of at least one engine and a secondary power source, the method comprising:
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monitoring an amount of available stored energy within an energy storage device; operating a first engine at or near a first power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined upper range of available stored energy, the first power level being a minimum power level for efficient operation of the first engine; operating the first engine at or near a second power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined lower range of available stored energy; and operating the first engine within a range of power levels when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined middle range of available stored energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24)
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19. A method of operating a series hybrid vehicle having a primary power source comprised of at least one engine and a secondary power source, the method comprising:
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monitoring an amount of available stored energy within an energy storage device; operating an engine at or near a first power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined upper range of available stored energy; operating the engine at or near a second power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined lower range of available stored energy; and operating the engine at or near a power level, within a range of power levels, that is inversely proportional to the amount of available stored energy, when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined middle range of available stored energy.
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20. A method of operating a series hybrid vehicle having a primary power source comprised of at least one engine and a secondary power source, the method comprising:
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monitoring an amount of available stored energy within an energy storage device; operating an engine at or near a first power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined upper range of available stored energy; operating the engine at or near a second power level when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined lower range of available stored energy; operating the engine within a range of power levels when the amount of available stored energy is within a predetermined middle range of available stored energy; and idling the engine when the amount of available stored energy is above a selected level. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification