A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to start the engine. The controller is programmed to pre-flux the electric machine with current that has a magnitude that changes as temperature of the engine changes within a predefined range.

Embodiments for a hybrid drive are provided. In one example, a hybrid module for arrangement on an internal combustion engine, which is configured for starting the internal combustion engine, includes an electric motor, for generating a torque, and an output element connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the electric motor and positioned on an output axle, for transmission of the torque to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. According to the disclosure, the hybrid module has a magnetic transmission, wherein the torque of the electric motor is transmitted via the magnetic transmission to the output element.

A method and a system for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft are disclosed. An absolute angular position of the crankshaft related to a top dead center position of a piston in a combustion chamber of the ICE is determined. Electric power is delivered to the ETM at a first level to rotate the crankshaft. Electric power is then delivered to the ETM at a second level greater than the first level when the piston reaches a predetermined position before the TDC position. Fuel is injected in the combustion chamber after the piston has passed beyond the TDC position. The fuel is then ignited. In an implementation, the ICE is started in less than 110 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft.

The invention includes a stator disposed inside a yoke, an armature supported inside the stator, a commutator connected to the armature and having a sliding surface in an outer peripheral portion, and a brush disposed opposing the commutator and having a sliding contact surface that comes into sliding contact with the sliding surface of the commutator, wherein the brush has a first member, and a second member with an electrical resistance value higher than that of the first member, the first member is disposed on an entrance side and the second member on an exit side with respect to a direction of rotation of the commutator, and the sliding contact surface of the brush is such that an inclined portion that inclines toward the entrance side with respect to the direction of rotation of the commutator is formed in the first member.

A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.

A control apparatus for a vehicle that is provided with (i) an engine, (ii) a first starting device including an electric motor and a high-voltage power supply device, such that the first starting device cranks the engine by using the electric motor, (iii) a second starting device including a starter motor and a low-voltage power supply device, such that the second starting device cranks the engine by using the starter motor, and (iv) various kinds of electrical equipment operable by an electric power supplied from the low-voltage power supply device. In a case in which start of the engine by cranking the engine by using the first starting device has failed and then the start of the engine by cranking the engine by using the second starting device has failed, the control apparatus cranks the engine by using the second starting device again.

Systems and methods for selecting and scheduling which of a plurality of engine starting devices starts an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a scheduled start of the internal combustion engine via a driveline disconnect clutch is withdrawn during conditions when both a transmission gear shift is requested or in process and when a driver urgency level is greater than a threshold level.

A multi-phase switched reluctance motor including a rotor and a stator, an electronic commutator subassembly, and a controller. The electronic commutator subassembly includes an electronic motor control unit, a power inverter, and a rotational position sensor, with the power inverter being electrically connected to the stator of the switched reluctance motor. The controller is in communication with the electronic motor control unit, the power inverter, and the rotational position sensor. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to characterize operation of the switched reluctance motor, dynamically determine inductance of the switched reluctance motor based upon the characterized operation, and execute a closed-loop torque control routine to control the switched reluctance motor based upon the dynamically determined inductance of the switched reluctance motor. The closed-loop torque control routine dynamically determines torque output from the switched reluctance motor based upon the dynamically determined inductance.

Systems and methods for correcting an engine intake camshaft position and an engine exhaust camshaft position for a variable valve timing engine are described. In one example, intake manifold pressure of an engine is sampled while a motor/generator rotates the engine at a predetermined speed without fuel being supplied to the engine. A camshaft angle where minimum intake manifold pressure is observed is a basis for correcting camshaft position.

A method of controlled stopping an internal combustion engine having a stop-start mode and starter assembly includes detecting when the stop-start mode is active. The method also includes monitoring current rotational speed and position of the engine. The method additionally includes determining when the current rotational position is within a predetermined range of a target stop rotational position and the current rotational speed is less than a threshold rotational speed, and afterward energizing the starter assembly to engage the engine. The method also includes establishing a time delay following energizing the starter assembly to confirm engagement of the starter assembly with the engine. Furthermore, the method includes applying a torque by the starter assembly to stop the engine at the target stop position. A vehicle powertrain employing the engine equipped with the stop-start mode, the starter assembly, and an electronic controller configured to execute the method is also provided.