Power limiting system and method based upon brake rotor temperature determination

A method for limiting energy from a battery of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a speed sensor coupled with the vehicle, a temperature sensor coupled with the vehicle and a processor coupled with the vehicle and electrically connected with the speed sensor and the temperature sensor;
• providing a rotor coupled with the vehicle for use during a braking event of the vehicle to slow the vehicle;
• determining, using the speed sensor, a speed of the vehicle;
• determining, using the temperature sensor, an ambient temperature in a location exterior to the vehicle;
• determining, using the processor, an elapsed time from the braking event of the vehicle;
• determining, using the processor, a temperature of the rotor based on the speed of the vehicle, the ambient temperature in the location exterior to the vehicle and the elapsed time from the braking event of the vehicle;
• determining, using the processor, if the temperature of the rotor is greater than a first predetermined temperature;
• and
• limiting the energy from the battery of the vehicle to a predetermined amount if the temperature of the rotor is greater than the first predetermined temperature.

A system for controlling output power from a power source of a vehicle comprising:

• a rotor configured to slow the vehicle during a braking event of the vehicle;
• a first sensor configured to sense a temperature of air outside of the vehicle;
• and
• a processor electrically connected with the first sensor and configured, to determine a temperature of the rotor based on a time from the braking event of the vehicle and the temperature of air sensed by the first sensor, the processor further configured to limit the output power from the power source of the vehicle to a first limit if the temperature of the rotor is greater than a first predetermined threshold.