CPC B60L 50/15 (2019.02) [B60L 15/2045 (2013.01); B60L 50/16 (2019.02); B60W 20/00 (2013.01); H02J 7/1492 (2013.01); B60L 2200/10 (2013.01); B64D 27/026 (2024.01); B64D 31/00 (2013.01); B64D 2221/00 (2013.01); H02J 7/1438 (2013.01); Y02T 10/70 (2013.01); Y02T 10/92 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |
1. A hybrid powertrain system comprising:
an energy storage device;
a prime mover operable to combust a fuel and produce a rotational output;
an engine controller controlling the operating parameters of the prime mover, including at least its operating speed;
a generator/motor operable, in a first state, to produce an electrical alternating current when rotated by the rotational output of the prime mover and operable, in a second state, to produce a rotational output to rotate the prime mover when provided with an electrical alternating current input;
a rectifier, electrically connected between the generator/motor and the energy storage device, the rectifier operable in a first state to convert the electrical alternating current produced by the generator/motor into a direct current at a selected voltage and to provide that direct current to a power bus to the energy storage device, and operable in a second state to invert direct current energy provided from the energy storage device into an alternating current which can be provided to the generator/motor; and
a generator control unit operable to select the state of the rectifier and to select the voltage of the direct current provided to the power bus;
wherein the generator control unit monitors the flow of direct current between the power bus and the energy storage device when the rectifier is in the first state and adjusts the operation of the rectifier to select an output voltage such that the monitored current flow is substantially the same as a preselected target current flow; and
wherein the operation of the prime mover can be suspended for a selected period of time, during which power is supplied to the power bus from the energy storage device, after which alternating current power, inverted from the direct current power from the energy storage device by the rectifier, is applied to the generator/motor to rotate the prime mover and the engine control unit operates to restart the prime mover.
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