Power output apparatus and method of controlling the same

摘要

A power output apparatus 110 includes a planetary gear 120 having a planetary carrier 124, a sun gear 121, and a ring gear 122. A crankshaft 156 of an engine 150 is mechanically linked with the planetary carrier 124, a first motor MG1 with the sun gear 121, and a second motor MG2 with the ring gear 122. A controller 180 drives the second motor MG2 with electric power regenerated by the first motor MG1 or drives the first motor MG1 with electric power regenerated by the second motor MG2, based on a gear ratio of the sun gear 121 to the ring gear 122 of the planetary gear 120, thereby enabling the power output from the engine 150 to be converted to a desired power and output to a power transmission gear 111 mechanically connected with the ring gear 122. The engine 150 may be driven at any driving point that can output energy identical with the energy output to the ring gear 122. This structure allows the engine 150 to be driven at a desired driving point of highest possible efficiency, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the whole apparatus.