Engine Torque Smoothing

Abstract

Methods for estimating the engine's torque curve and / or for controlling the torque applied to the powertrain by one or more devices other than the engine itself to manage the torque generated by the engine and (a or more) methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms for net torque applied by other devices. The described methods are particularly well suited for use in hybrid vehicles, where the engine is operated with skip fire or other dynamic fire level modulation - however, they can be used in a variety of other situations as well. In some embodiments, a hybrid vehicle includes a motor / generator that applies smooth torque.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 379,357 (TULAP063P), which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to a hybrid vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine operating under skip-fire control and having another power source in addition to the internal combustion engine. The torque curve of a skip-fire controlled engine is estimated and an additional power source is used to smooth the torque curve. Background technique [0004] The fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines can be greatly improved by changing the displacement of the engine. This allows maximum torque to be available when required, and also significantly reduces pumping losses and improves thermal efficiency by using a smaller displacement when maximum torque is not required. The most common method of implementing variable displacement engin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] The challenge of skip fire engine control is to achieve acceptable NVH performance

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