A system and method for controlling engine starting in a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a first electric machine selectively coupled to the engine by a first clutch, a second electric machine coupled to the engine, a step-ratio transmission selectively coupled to the electric machine by a second clutch include starting the engine using either the first electric machine or the second electric machine based on engine stop position. The first electric machine may be a low voltage starter motor or integrated starter-generator. The system and method may use the first electric machine when the engine stop position is within a specified range of positions relative to a piston top dead center position associated with higher cranking torques.

Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be started in one of two ways depending on operating conditions. In particular, the engine may be started via a lower power output electric machine or a higher power output electric machine.

A control device sets reverse rotation period as a cranking prohibition period, and when a start request of an engine is generated during reverse rotation period, cranking is started by driving either or both of the first starter and the second starter when it is detected that a crankshaft is shifted from reverse rotation to forward rotation based on an information of a rotation angle sensor. As a result, the delay from generation of the start request of the engine until cranking is started can be reduced, so that the starting time of the engine can be shortened.

A system includes a valve actuation system, a pre-lubrication pump coupled to a lubrication circuit and configured to provide oil to the valve actuation system, a catalyst for receiving and treating exhaust gasses, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify an engine start request and determine whether the catalyst temperature is below a first threshold value. In response to determining that the catalyst temperature is below the first threshold value, the controller actuates the pre-lubrication pump to direct lubricant to the valve actuation system, controls the valve actuation system to deactivate at least one cylinder of an engine, and, subsequent to deactivating the at least one cylinder of the engine, cranks the engine.

A method for operating a vehicle that includes a DC/DC converter is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting an output voltage of the DC/DC converter after the DC/DC converter is used to crank an engine. The output voltage of the DC/DC converter may be adjusted responsive to a state of charge of an ultra-capacitor.

Methods, apparatus and systems for reducing engine idling of fuel-driven equipment, for example found on a wellsite and/or including hydraulic pumping systems are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided for controlling the starting and shutdown of equipment powered by a fuel-driven engine, the system comprising of an energy accumulator comprising or consisting of one or more supercapacitors. The transmission, transmission fluid, or other components can be warmed to prolong time between engine restarts.

A self-contained, stand-alone power generator system comprising: an electric motor for applying torque to a shaft of a rotating mass, wherein the electric motor is powered by a dedicated power source; a battery for supplying additional power to the electric motor upon start up; at least one of a torque converter and a starter motor, for overcoming resting inertia of the rotating mass; a generator head coupled to the rotating mass, wherein the power generator is constructed such that when the generator head reaches operational speed, the generator head provides the additional power to the electric motor and recharges the battery.

A control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle including an engine, a starter and an electric motor that is connected to an electric storage device through a relay. The control apparatus executes an engine start control to crank and start the engine by using a selected one of the starter and the electric motor. The control apparatus detects presence or absence of failure of the electric motor, when executing the engine start control by using the electric motor with the relay being closed. When detecting the failure of the electric motor, the control apparatus causes the relay to be opened, and to suspend execution of the engine start control by using the electric motor, and is configured, when start of the engine is requested next, to execute the engine start control by using the starter while keeping the relay to be opened.

A drive device includes a motor, an inverter, an electric power storage device, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to generate a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of the switching elements by comparison of a voltage command of each phase according to a torque command of the motor and a carrier wave voltage, as a first PWM control. The electronic control unit is configured to generate a second PWM signal of the switching elements based on a modulation factor and a voltage phase of a voltage according to the torque command and a pulse count per unit cycle of an electric angle of the motor, as a second pulse width modulation control. The electronic control unit is configured to limit execution of the second PWM control when high controllability of the motor is requested rather than when the high controllability is not requested.

A method for operating a vehicle that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, the method includes starting an engine via expansion stroke combustion in response to a request to urgently start the engine. In addition, the method includes adjusting a position of a compression relief valve in response to a predicted urgency of an engine start.