Justin B Ward

US Patent:

20130274975, Oct 17, 2013

Filed:

Jan 9, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/737869

Inventors:

Christopher Gregg - Gardena CA, US
Justin Ward - Gardena CA, US
Hidetoshi Kusumi - Gardena CA, US

Assignee:

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. - Erlanger KY

International Classification:

B60W 10/196
B60W 30/188
B60W 10/30

US Classification:

701 22

Abstract:

A regenerative braking system for a vehicle utilizing diversion of energy for efficient use or maintaining consistent vehicle performance. The regenerative braking system includes a generator for producing regenerative energy during slowing and includes switches connected to a battery and a plurality of devices. A processor is connected with the battery and the switches for controlling the configuration of the switches based on a characteristic of the battery. If the battery has a state of charge exceeding a predetermined threshold, the processor controls the switches to route the regenerative energy to the other devices. The processor also controls the switches to provide regenerative energy to specific devices where it may most desirably be utilized. Heating and cooling units of the vehicle may be alternatively or simultaneously connected to receive the regenerative energy for providing consistent vehicle slowing performance when the battery state of charge exceeds the predetermined threshold.