Method for controlling energy flow in a hybrid electric vehicle

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5820172
SERIAL NO

08807100

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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An operating strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) manages the flow of energy to both supply the motive demand power of the HEV and maintain the charge of the energy storage system (ESS). A controller operates the main power unit (HPU) and ESS and, using an optimal fuel cost strategy, scans all possible combinations of power from the HPU and ESS that satisfy the motive demand power. The combination with the lowest fuel cost is selected and the ESS is charged, when possible, using marginal charging; but, if the state of charge of the ESS falls below a certain level, fast charging is invoked. A minimum power threshold strategy can be used rather than the fuel cost strategy. The minimum power threshold strategy determines the optimal compromise of HPU operation and ESS operation to maximize fuel economy by using a motive power threshold below which the HPU is not operated except to recharge the ESS.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Brigham, David Richens Ann Arbor, MI 13 259
Giardini, Sandra Dearborn, MI 1 122
Lev, Amos Southfield, MI 1 122
Romlein, Timothy Ann Arbor, MI 1 122
Tamor, Michael Alan Toledo, OH 26 686

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