Method and system for valve operation control
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsWilliam Paul Perkins, Scott James Thompson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for raising the speed of a hybrid electric vehicle operating in an electric-only mode. During conditions when the vehicle is driven only by an electric motor, vehicle speed may be raised by spinning the engine unfueled using power from a system battery, while adjusting valve operation to reduce engine pumping losses. In this way, vehicle speed may be raised more efficiently and without damaging rotating transmission components.
Claims19
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle system, comprising:
- during an engine-off mode with only an electric motor driving a wheel of the vehicle,
- raising vehicle speed while decreasing or maintaining a rotational speed of a rotating planetary gear transmission component by raising speed of the wheel by providing a drive force from the electric motor to the wheel while increasing speed of an unfueled engine coupled to the wheel via the planetary transmission;
- and
- adjusting a cylinder valve operation based on the engine speed.
A method of operating a vehicle system, comprising:
- during an electric-only mode of operation,
- raising vehicle speed above a threshold vehicle speed, while spinning an engine coupled to a driven wheel unfueled using a battery, by providing a drive force to the driven wheel from a motor coupled to the wheel;
- and
- adjusting a cylinder intake valve timing to reduce airflow through the spinning engine.
A method of operating a vehicle system, comprising:
- during an electric-only mode of operation:
- raising vehicle speed above a threshold vehicle speed, while spinning an engine coupled to a driven wheel unfueled using a battery, by providing a drive force to the driven wheel from a motor coupled to the wheel and adjusting a cylinder intake valve timing to reduce airflow through the spinning engine;
- and
- adjusting the cylinder intake valve to increase airflow through the spinning engine in response to a request to restart the engine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.