Hybrid vehicles

Abstract

A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one electric motor, a high voltage battery providing power to said motor, and a 12-volt auxiliary starting system comprising a DC-to-DC power converter for converting 12-volt power to the charging voltage of said high voltage battery, whereby if said high voltage battery becomes discharged, the vehicle can be started by connection of a 12-volt supply to an input of said DC-to-DC power converter. 
     
     
         18 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , further comprising a controller for controlling operation of said engine, motor and high voltage battery. 
     
     
         19 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said high voltage battery comprises a battery bank made up of series-connected batteries each of substantially 42 volts nominal rating. 
     
     
         20 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said high voltage battery comprises a battery bank made up of series-connected batteries of greater than at least 42 volts nominal rating. 
     
     
         21 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said high voltage battery comprises a battery bank made up of series-connected batteries, wherein said series connections are made employing normally-open relays, whereby if control power to the relays is interrupted, said batteries are disconnected from one another. 
     
     
         22 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said high voltage battery comprises two battery banks connected in series, each battery bank being made up of series-connected batteries, and wherein the point at which the two battery banks are connected to one another is connected to a vehicle ground connection. 
     
     
         23 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said DC-to-DC power converter is capable of converting power from said high-voltage battery to 12-volt power. 
     
     
         24 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said high voltage battery comprises a bank of batteries connected so as to provide a total output voltage of at least about 500 volts. 
     
     
         25 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said high voltage battery provides current at about 115 to 200 amperes under peak load conditions. 
     
     
         26 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein said high voltage battery provides current at at least about 150 amperes under peak load conditions. 
     
     
         27 . The vehicle of  claim 17 , wherein the torque available for supply to the wheels from the motor is at least equal to the torque available for supply to the wheels from the engine.