Hybrid electric vehicle with electric motor providing strategic power assist to load balance internal combustion engine
First Claim
1. A hybrid motor vehicle power plant arrangement comprising:
- an internal combustion engine having an internal combustion engine output shaft;
an electric motor having an electric motor output shaft;
a coupling arrangement that couples the electric motor output shaft to the internal combustion engine output shaft; and
an electronic controller connected to electronically control the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, wherein the electric controller controls the electric motor to provide a positive or negative loading to the internal combustion engine output shaft, and at least sometimes operates the electric motor in a mode that allows the electric motor to remain mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine through the coupling arrangement while minimizing loading of the internal combustion engine output shaft by the electric motor, by controlling electric current to the electric motor so that the electric motor output shaft rotates at substantially the same speed as the internal combustion engine output shaft.
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Abstract
A parallel hybrid electric vehicle design delivers smooth, high power performance while decreasing harmful exhaust emissions and maximizing fuel economy. An electric motor strategically assists the internal combustion engine. This arrangement can increase driveability and make for a very smooth driving vehicle. Decreased emissions are realized by helping the engine to run in a fashion which inherently minimizes emissions. Fuel economy is significantly enhanced by efficiently producing power needed to make the car meet the demands of the driver while leveling the load demands placed on the internal combustion engine. When the internal combustion engine is operating very efficiently under light loading or deceleration, the power source is charged as the motor turns into a generator.
302 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A hybrid motor vehicle power plant arrangement comprising:
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an internal combustion engine having an internal combustion engine output shaft;
an electric motor having an electric motor output shaft;
a coupling arrangement that couples the electric motor output shaft to the internal combustion engine output shaft; and
an electronic controller connected to electronically control the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, wherein the electric controller controls the electric motor to provide a positive or negative loading to the internal combustion engine output shaft, and at least sometimes operates the electric motor in a mode that allows the electric motor to remain mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine through the coupling arrangement while minimizing loading of the internal combustion engine output shaft by the electric motor, by controlling electric current to the electric motor so that the electric motor output shaft rotates at substantially the same speed as the internal combustion engine output shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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- 18. A hybrid power source including an internal combustion engine having an internal combustion engine output shaft and an electric motor having an electric motor output shaft, the internal combustion engine output shaft and the electric motor output shaft being connected in parallel via a coupling arrangement, the hybrid power source further including an electric controller connected to electronically control the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, wherein the electric controller monitors a load imposed upon the internal combustion engine output shaft and controls the electric motor to level an effective loading of the internal combustion engine output shaft and provide better fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions from the internal combustion engine, and wherein the electric controller at least sometimes operates the electric motor in a mode that allows the electric motor to remain mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine through the coupling arrangement while minimizing loading of the internal combustion engine output shaft by the electric motor, by controlling electric current to the electric motor so that the electric motor output shaft rotates at substantially the same speed as the internal combustion engine output shaft.
- 20. A method of operating a hybrid power plant including an electric motor providing a torque output coupled to a torque output of an internal combustion engine, the method including the steps of electronically controlling the electric motor to provide a positive or negative loading to an output shaft of the electric motor, and at least sometimes operating the electric motor in a mode that allows the electric motor to remain mechanically coupled to an output shaft of the internal combustion engine through a coupling mechanism while minimizing loading of the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the electric motor, by controlling electric current to the electric motor so that the electric motor output shaft rotates at substantially the same speed as the internal combustion engine output shaft.
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23. A method as in claim 23 further including the step of continually electronically monitoring parameters relating to the operation of at least the internal combustion engine, and providing a responsive electric motor control signal to control the electric motor.
Specification