Power output apparatus and method of controlling the same

摘要

A power output apparatus includes a planetary gear having a planetary carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear. A crankshaft of an engine is mechanically linked with the planetary carrier, a first motor with the sun gear, and a second motor with the ring gear. A controller drives the second motor with electric power regenerated by the first motor or drives the first motor with electric power regenerated by the second motor, based on a gear ratio of the sun gear to the ring gear of the planetary gear, thereby enabling the power output from the engine to be converted to a desired power and output to a power transmission gear mechanically connected with the ring gear. The engine may be driven at any driving point that can output energy identical with the energy output to the ring gear. This structure allows the engine to be driven at a desired driving point of highest possible efficiency, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the whole apparatus.