Closed-loop power control for hybrid electric vehicles

1. A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain for an automotive vehicle having a driver controlled engine, an electric motor, a battery, a generator connected to the battery and a gear system that establishes first and second power sources for distributing torque to vehicle traction wheels, the method comprising the steps of:

delivering engine torque to a first torque input element of the gear system, delivering reaction torque of the gear system to the motor and generator and delivering torque from a torque output element of the gear system to the traction wheels thereby establishing a power split in a first power source configuration;

delivering torque from the motor and generator through the gear system to the traction wheels with the engine deactivated thereby establishing a second power source configuration; and

coordinating power delivery from the first and second power sources whereby a response to driver demand for power will optimize driveline efficiency and performance without exceeding power limits for the engine and the battery including calculating driver power demand based on driver torque demand and vehicle speed;

determining a battery power request resulting from the coordination of power delivery from the first and second power sources;

combining the driver power demand and the battery power request;

determining whether the combined driver power demand and the battery power request is within predetermined maximum and minimum engine power limits to develop an engine power command and an actual engine output power;

combining the actual engine output power with the driver power demand;

measuring actual battery power;

determining whether the combined actual engine output power and the driver power demand is within pre-calibrated battery power limits to develop a battery power desired;

determining a modified battery power desired when actual battery power deviates from battery power desired; and

combining the modified battery power desired and the actual engine output power to develop an actual allowed driver power demand.

2. The method set forth in claim 1 wherein the step determining a modified battery power desired comprises a closed-loop calculation using actual battery power as a feedback variable whereby pre-calibrated battery power limits are not exceeded.

3. The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of adjusting the engine power command in a closed-loop calculation using actual battery power as a feedback variable whereby a battery power request for optimal coordination of power delivery from the first and second power sources is maintained.

4. The method set forth in claim 3 including the step of determining whether a desired battery power to be combined with engine power output is within predetermined battery power maximum and minimum limits and controlling battery power to avoid exceeding the battery power limits thereby preventing the battery from overcharging or over-discharging.

5. The method as set forth in claim 3 including the step of determining whether the driver demand for power is within predetermined maximum and minimum system power limits; and

delivering battery power to the gear system to complement the driver demand for power when the driver power demand is outside the engine power limits.

6. The method set forth in claim 5 including the step of determining whether a desired battery power to be combined with engine output power is within predetermined battery power maximum and minimum limits and controlling battery power to avoid exceeding battery power limits thereby preventing the battery from overcharging or over-discharging.

7. The method as set forth in claim 5 wherein the step of determining driver power demand includes the step of accounting for electrical losses in the powertrain whereby the effective demand for power is the sum of the driver power demand and electrical power losses.