Engine operation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
First Claim
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1. A method, comprising:
- propelling a vehicle with an engine and a motor;
a first and second charge threshold, the first charge threshold greater than the second charge threshold, andstarting the engine if energy stored in an energy storage device is greater than the first charge threshold when a contaminant amount in engine oil is greater than a contaminant threshold amount, whereinthe contaminant amount is determined based on a number of counted engine starts where engine temperature is less than a temperature threshold, engine stops where engine temperature is less than the temperature threshold, and engine on time.
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Abstract
A method, comprising propelling a vehicle with an engine and a motor starting the engine if energy stored in an energy storage device is greater than an upper threshold level when a contaminant amount in the engine oil is greater than a threshold amount. In this way, it is possible to harmonize fuel degradation along with oil degradation, while still providing efficient vehicle and engine operation.
32 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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propelling a vehicle with an engine and a motor; a first and second charge threshold, the first charge threshold greater than the second charge threshold, and starting the engine if energy stored in an energy storage device is greater than the first charge threshold when a contaminant amount in engine oil is greater than a contaminant threshold amount, wherein the contaminant amount is determined based on a number of counted engine starts where engine temperature is less than a temperature threshold, engine stops where engine temperature is less than the temperature threshold, and engine on time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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7. A method, comprising:
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shutting down engine operation in a plug-in hybrid vehicle in response to a level of contaminants in a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) exhaust line, the engine started based on a contaminant level in engine oil, wherein the level of contaminants is based on a counted number of engine starts where engine temperature is less than a first temperature threshold and engine stops where engine temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, and further based on a duration of engine run operation above a second temperature threshold, and further based on a duration of engine run operation below the second temperature threshold following the start. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for a plug-in hybrid vehicle having an engine, the method comprising:
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during a higher temperature of the engine, starting the engine responsive to a contaminant amount in engine oil, the engine operated for a shorter duration; and during a lower engine temperature, starting the engine responsive to the contaminant amount in engine oil, the engine operated for a longer duration;
whereinthe contaminant amount is determined based on a number of counted engine starts where engine temperature is less than a temperature threshold, engine stops where engine temperature is less than the temperature threshold, and engine on time. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification