Patent attributes
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and method of operation, which include an engine and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to power electronics, and a compressor and a chiller each having cooling capacities and coupled to refrigerant and coolant distribution and thermal management systems. The HEV also includes one or more controllers configured to charge the battery, and to adjust and control a charge-rate and cabin, battery, and coupled power electronics temperatures. The temperatures and charge-rate are controlled according to cooling needs established from a predetermined cabin temperature and charge-time, and actual temperatures of the cabin, battery, and power electronics. The charge-rate is increased, reducing the charge-time, as the predetermined cabin temperature is increased to reduce cabin cooling need. The controller is also configured to generate a capacity alert when the cooling needs exceed the capacity, and to enable prioritization of cooling-capacity between cabin comfort and charge-rate and time.
