Patent attributes
A method of rapid starting an internal combustion engine includes determining that the engine is stopped and detecting an engine start request. The method also includes enabling a starter assembly having a brushless electric motor including a stator and a rotor and configured to drive a pinion gear, and engaging the pinion gear with the engine flywheel. The method also includes determining a present angular position of the rotor relative to the stator configured to generate a first rotor torque. The method additionally includes applying an electrical current to the motor, in response to the determined angular position of the rotor, to turn the rotor to a predetermined starting angular position configured to provide a second torque that is greater than the first torque. Furthermore, the method includes commanding the motor to spin the rotor and thereby apply the second torque via the pinion gear to start the engine.
