Powertrain configurations for single-motor, two-clutch hybrid electric vehicles

A method for controlling the powertrain for an HEV/PHEV vehicle, said powertrain comprising a prime mover;

• an electric motor-generator, said electric motor-generator mechanically coupled to said prime mover via a first clutch;
• a transmission, said transmission mechanically coupled to said electric motor-generator via a second clutch;
• a battery, said battery electrically coupled to said electric motor-generator, said battery capable of supplying electrical energy to said electric motor-generator;
• and a controller, said controller capable of receiving signals from one or more sensors and supplying control signals to said prime mover, said first clutch, said electric motor-generator, said second clutch and said transmission such that said controller is capable of dynamically affecting a plurality of operating modes;
• the steps of said method comprising:
• receiving any driver selection for operating mode of the vehicle;
• if driver selection is ICE mode, operate in Engine Only mode until a different operating mode is selected;
• if driver selection is EV mode or auto mode,
• (i) determining the state of charge (SOC) of said batteries;
• (ii) if SOC is greater than a desired threshold, operate in Electric Motor Only mode;
• (iii) if SOC is less than a desired threshold, operate in HEV mode;
• and
• if driver selection is HEV mode, operate in HEV mode.

A method for recommending a shift change to a driver of a vehicle, said vehicle comprising a powertrain, said powertrain comprising a prime mover;

• an electric motor-generator, said electric motor-generator mechanically coupled to said prime mover via a first clutch;
• a transmission, said transmission mechanically coupled to said electric motor-generator via a second clutch, the steps of said method comprising:
• determining if speed of the vehicle is greater than a desired threshold;
• if the speed of the vehicle is greater than the desired threshold,
• (i) calculate the average power at the wheels;
• (ii) if the average power demanded if less than the power available from a mover than the next higher gear, recommend a shift up in the transmission;
• (iii) if the average power demanded is greater than the power available from the mover, determine whether the power demanded from the mover is greater than the power available from the mover;
• (iv) if the power demanded from the mover is greater than the power available from the mover, then recommend a shift down in the transmission;
• (v) otherwise, stay in present gear.