Development of Engine Clutch Control for Parallel Hybrid Vehicles

The parallel hybrid configuration in which a clutch is installed between an engine and a motor can shift its operation mode between pure electric and hybrid vehicle mode by engaging or disengaging the clutch. To enhance drivability of the system in shifting its operation mode, it is required to prepare appropriate measures to control the clutch in response to driving conditions. This paper introduces the hydraulic clutch control strategy which is composed of a synchronized engaging and a launch slip engaging maneuver. The strategy also covers the criteria to decide the proper engaging method between above two candidates for current circumstance. This study also deals with the learning algorithm to compensate the variations of the clutch hardware and to realize consistent drivability across all units. The learning algorithm utilizes the traction motor and a pressure sensor to identify the all the variation terms of the clutch with the required level of accuracy