A system and method for controlling engine starting in a hybrid vehicle having first and second electric machines include starting the engine in response to an engine start request using the first electric machine and releasing second electric machine reserved engine starting torque for use in propelling the vehicle. The first electric machine may be controlled to start the engine in response to the first engine start after key-on and when the vehicle speed is below a corresponding threshold, with the second electric machine used when vehicle speed is above the threshold. The first electric machine may be an integrated starter-generator.

A number of variations may include a product including a stator assembly and/or a rotor assembly wherein at least one of the stator assembly and/or rotor assembly includes a central cavity, and at least two clutch assemblies, wherein at least a portion of each of the two clutch assemblies is received in the cavity. A number of variations may include a module wherein a plurality of clutches and electric motor are received in the same housing to form a module wherein the electromagnetic (motor performance and clutch performance can be tested prior to installing the module in a vehicle.

A vehicle and method for controlling a vehicle having a variable displacement engine with an auxiliary machine connected directly to the engine crankshaft and to an energy storage device includes switching from a cylinder disablement (VDE) mode to a normal mode when the torque demand and engine speed lie outside an outer range defined by a first threshold (T.sub.out), and switching from the normal mode to the VDE mode when the torque demand and engine speed lie within an inner range, which lies within the outer range and defined by a second threshold (T.sub.in). When operating in a band between the two thresholds, the auxiliary machine draws energy from the energy storage device and supplements the output torque from the engine if operating in the VDE mode, and derives torque from the engine crankshaft to recharge the energy storage device if operating in the normal mode.

A vehicle control apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle including an engine includes an electric motor, an electricity storage device, and a motor controller. The electric motor is coupled to the engine and generates motor power. The electricity storage device is coupled to the electric motor through a power supply cable. The motor controller causes execution of an assistance mode. The assistance mode includes controlling the electric motor to a powering state to transmit the motor power to the engine in operation. The motor controller permits the execution of the assistance mode on the condition that a rotation speed of the electric motor is lower than a threshold. The motor controller prohibits the execution of the assistance mode on the condition that the rotation speed of the electric motor is higher than the threshold.

The present disclosure is directed to an electric generator and motor transmission system that is capable of operating with high energy, wide operating range and extremely variable torque and RPM conditions. In accordance with various embodiments, the disclosed system is operable to: dynamically change the output “size” of the motor/generator by modularly engaging and disengaging rotor/stator sets as power demands increase or decrease; activate one stator or another within the rotor/stator sets as torque/RPM or amperage/voltage requirements change; and/or change from parallel to series winding configurations or the reverse through sets of 2, 4, 6 or more parallel, three-phase, non-twisted coil windings with switchable separated center tap to efficiently meet torque/RPM or amperage/voltage requirements.

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 drive system for a vehicle having a rear drive assembly powered by a first power source, a front drive assembly in selective electrical communication with a second power source, a selector switch to selectively permit or prevent electrical communication between the front drive assembly and the second power source, and an output capacity sensor to detect an output of the first power source, where the rear drive assembly drives the vehicle when the selector switch is in a first position and both the rear and front drive assemblies drive the vehicle when the selector switch is in a second position and the output capacity sensor detects that the output of the first power source meets a threshold output.

In one aspect the present subject matter is directed to a gas-electric propulsion system for an aircraft. The system may include a turbofan jet engine, an electric powered boundary layer ingestion fan that is coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft aft of the turbofan jet engine, and an electric generator that is electronically coupled to the turbofan jet engine and to the boundary layer ingestion fan. The electric generator converts rotational energy from the turbofan jet engine to electrical energy and provides at least a portion of the electrical energy to the boundary layer ingestion fan. In another aspect of the present subject matter, a method for propelling an aircraft via the gas-electric propulsion system is disclosed.

A drive train for a vehicle includes a first electromagnetic device, a second electromagnetic device electrically coupled to the first electromagnetic device by an electrical power transmission system, and an engine coupled to the first electromagnetic device and configured to drive the first electromagnetic device to provide electrical energy. In all modes of operation where the engine drives the first electromagnetic device to provide the electrical energy, the first electromagnetic device operates without providing the electrical energy to an energy storage device.

A vehicle drive system for a vehicle including a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, and a rechargeable power source can be configured for reduced fuel consumption at idle. The vehicle drive system includes an electric motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the first prime mover. The control system causes fuel to be eliminated to the first prime mover while the vehicle is stopped and causes the electric motor to rotate the first prime mover at a speed, thereby reducing fuel consumption at idle for the vehicle.