System And Method For Engine Idle Stop Control With Starter Motor Protection

Abstract

A system and method for controlling engine idle stop in a hybrid vehicle that uses predictive information to schedule engine stops with relatively longer stop duration time to gain more fuel savings and extend life of starter motor. More specifically, predictive information may be used to determine potential vehicle stop events, along with corresponding stop duration times, within a time window. An engine stop scheduler and / or controller may be configured to schedule stops of longer duration for optimal total engine stop time. Similarly, taking into account constraints imposed by the thermal limits of the motor, engine stop may be inhibited for predicted short events to allow engine stop at later longer stop events.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle with automatic engine stop feature and control of engine idling stop and restart activities in the case of starter motor protection. Background technique [0002] Hybrid vehicles may be equipped with an automatic engine stop system. The automatic engine stop system shuts down the engine during a specific period of the car's operation to save fuel. For example, when the vehicle stops at a traffic light or encounters a traffic jam, automatic engine stop may be involved instead of allowing the engine to idle. When the driver releases the brake pedal or activates the accelerator pedal, the engine can be restarted. The engine can also be started, for example, due to a load on the electrical system. When the engine is not needed, the engine is stopped, which improves fuel economy and reduces emissions. [0003] The automatic engine stop system also encounters various challenges. For example, frequent engine stop / star...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For example, frequent engine stop / start events can cause driver discomfort and starter motor overheating

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