SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A DIRECT ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND COUPLING IN A VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM

摘要

A method of controlling transition of operating modes in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of providing a vehicle system having a generator coupled to an inverter and a motor coupled to an inverter. A switch box is disposed therebetween. The switch box includes a plurality of electrical switches that open and close to allow for direct electrical connection between the generator and the motor. The method detects a transfer condition using the vehicle system controller to transition from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. The transfer condition defines a predetermined efficiency threshold of the second operating mode being more efficient than the first operating mode. The method further preconditions the vehicle system by synchronizing electrical features between the generator and the motor. The method then actuates the switch box to close the plurality of switches allowing the generator and motor to electrically couple.