Use of model predicted speed to improve control of electrified powertrains including a torque converter

A torque control method for a vehicle, the torque control method comprising:

• obtaining, by a set of sensors of the vehicle, a speed of a turbine of a torque converter of a propulsion system of the vehicle and a speed of a wheel of the vehicle, wherein the torque converter is arranged between the propulsion system and a drivetrain of the vehicle;
• calculating, by a control system of the vehicle. a driver demand torque based on a speed of the vehicle and a driver torque request;
• predicting, by the control system, a net driver demand torque based on the calculated driver demand torque and an opposing net torque for a road that the vehicle is traversing;
• estimating, by the control system, the turbine speed based on the measured turbine and wheel speeds and a lumped vehicle inertia state space model with an observer correction algorithm;
• calculating, by the control system, a target actuator torque based on the calculated driver demand torque and the estimated turbine speed;
• and
• controlling, by the control system, at least one of an engine and an electric motor of the propulsion system based on the calculated target actuator torque.