System and method for pre-charging a hybrid vehicle for improving reverse driving performance

Abstract

A method / system is provided for improving reverse hill climb performance of a hybrid vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) determines whether pre-charging is needed based on vehicle state and environmental conditions. This determination can be based on a grade value of a hill upon which the vehicle is positioned, a state of charge (SOC) of the battery, and / or the expected distance that the vehicle will travel uphill. The ECU sets a charging rate and a target charge value based on the foregoing data. The battery may be charged to have an SOC that exceeds an actual needed target charge value by a hysteresis margin. A message may be displayed requesting the driver to wait until pre-charging is complete. The engine charges the battery at the charging rate until the SOC reaches the target charge value. The driver is prompted that he or she can start reverse driving.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]The present invention relates to methods and systems for managing a charging operation of a hybrid vehicle.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]With, growing environmental awareness and concerns for energy efficiency, demand for various forms of hybrid vehicles that utilize non-fuel energy has significantly increased. Movement of a hybrid vehicle and / or operation of its units may be powered, wholly or in part, by electrical power stored in one or more batteries. The batteries are used to power the hybrid vehicle when the engine is turned off. As one might expect, a hybrid vehicle travelling up a steep hill will generally require more electrical power from the batteries than when travelling on a flat smooth road. In certain conditions, however, the stored electrical energy may not be sufficient for propelling movement of the hybrid vehicle. This insufficient power may occur when the hybrid vehicle is operated in a reverse gear and needs to travel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a system that ensures the battery is properly charged before a vehicle reverses. This system uses a "hysteresis margin" to set a target charging level that exceeds the actual level needed for reversal. By doing this, the system prevents the battery from becoming overcharged or undercharged during this process. This not only improves the performance of the vehicle but also provides useful information to the driver about the status of the battery. This system helps to meet the driver's expectations of the vehicle's performance.

Problems solved by technology

In certain conditions, however, the stored electrical energy may not be sufficient for propelling movement of the hybrid vehicle.

This insufficient power may occur when the hybrid vehicle is operated in a reverse gear and needs to travel up a steep hill.

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