Title of Invention

HIGH-VOLTAGE VEHICLE FAULT DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS

Abstract A method includes detecting high-voltage faults, such as welded contactors or disconnected components, in a vehicle by measuring the total electrical impedance between positive and negative rails of a high-voltage bus and a ground or chassis, comparing the impedance before and after opening the contactors, and executing a maintenance response. The response includes setting an error code when the open impedance level is less than a threshold multiple of the closed impedance level. A vehicle includes a chassis, energy storage system (ESS), motor/generator, and a high- voltage bus conducting electrical current from the ESS to the motor/generator. Contactors are positioned along each of the rails of the bus, a device for measuring a total electrical impedance level between the chassis and each of the rails, and a controller for determining a welded contactor condition of at least one of the contactors based on the measured total electrical impedance level.
Full Text HIGH-VOLTAGE VEHICLE FAULT DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a
fault condition aboard a vehicle having at least one contactor or relay that is operable for
isolating or containing high voltage within an energy storage system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In a high-voltage propelled vehicle (HVPV), such as a hybrid-electric
vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a fuel cell electric vehicle
(FCEV), or a purely electric vehicle (EV), an energy storage system (ESS), for example a
battery pack, can provide a source of at least a portion of the power necessary for
propelling the vehicle. The engine or fuel cell can shut off or power down when the
vehicle is idling or at a standstill in order to further conserve fuel, depending on the
particular design of the vehicle. The ESS itself contains or stores relatively high voltage,
which is transmitted to one or more vehicle devices, such as one or more
motor/generators, via a specially configured high-voltage bus having a positive and a
negative conductor or "rail". The ESS in turn is isolated from the various vehicle
conductive structures and surfaces, and from the vehicle chassis itself, in part by
selectively opening one or more electrical relays or contactors under certain operating
conditions, such as during vehicle shutdown and/or under certain fault conditions, by
opening one or more contactors.
[0003] Electrical contactors or relays serve to confine high voltage within the
ESS during the vehicle shutdown process, as well as during certain fault conditions.
Contactors helps to ensure that power to the load is shut off or interrupted when the
contactors are de-energized. Contactors also help ensure that the high-voltage energy is
transmitted to a load, such as a motor/generator, only when the contactor is properly
energized or closed. However, under certain fault conditions the leads of one or more of
the contactors may weld together, thus potentially rendering the contactor ineffective for
its intended purpose. Therefore, the detection or diagnosis of such a welded contactor

condition can be desirable, in particular for certain preventive or corrective maintenance
purposes.
[0004] A normally-open contactor can help to ensure that electrical power to the
load is shut off or interrupted when the contactor is de-energized, and that the high-
voltage is transmitted to a load, such as the motor/generator, only when the contactor is
properly energized or closed. However, under certain fault conditions the leads or
contacts of one or more of the contactors can physically weld together, which in turn
might affect the controllability of the flow of power from the ESS. While the presence of
both welded contactors in a two-rail relay can be detected using diagnostics provided by a
vehicle's control system, such diagnostics measure a drop in voltage when the contactors
are opened, and require that other control modules to be active and communicating with
the ESS for a predetermined period of time after the contactors are opened. Additionally,
such voltage drop methods cannot detect the presence of a single welded contactor in a
two-rail relay, particularly on the negative rail of a high-voltage bus. Other fault
conditions, such as disconnected high-voltage vehicle components, are generally detected
using communications intensive messaging processes that may be less than optimal for
certain purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, a method is provided for detecting a high-voltage fault
condition aboard a vehicle having a chassis, electrical isolation or impedance
measurement circuitry, a pair of relays or contactors, an energy storage system (ESS),
and a high-voltage bus. The method includes measuring an electrical impedance value
between the high-voltage bus and the vehicle chassis, and determining whether a vehicle
fault condition is present, as well as identifying the particular fault condition, depending
on the value of the impedance measurement under different states or conditions of the
contactor.
[0006] The method includes measuring a first total impedance level between the
high-voltage bus and the chassis when the contactors are each in a closed state, and
opening the pair of contactors before measuring a second total impedance level. The
method then includes comparing the first and second total impedance levels, and

executing a maintenance response aboard the vehicle in response to the measured
impedance levels. Executing the maintenance response includes setting an error code in a
controller corresponding to the fault condition when the second total impedance level is
less than a threshold multiple of the first total impedance level.
[0007] The threshold multiple is a value selected from a predetermined range,
which in one embodiment is approximately 4 to 6. The method includes comparing the
first total impedance level to the second total impedance level by accessing a look-up
table to determine the fault state, with the look-up table being indexed in part by a
predetermined low range and a predetermined normal range of total impedance values for
each of the closed state and the open state. The predetermined normal range of total
impedance values corresponding to the closed state is approximately 0.800 to 1.50 mega
ohms (MΩ) in one embodiment, and the predetermined normal range of total impedance
values corresponding to the open state is approximately 3 to 5 MΩ.
[0008] Accessing the look-up table to determine the fault state or condition
includes, in one embodiment, accessing a first portion of the look-up table to determine
an ESS isolation fault, accessing a second portion of the look-up table to determine a
welded contactor condition, accessing a third portion of the look-up table to determine a
vehicle isolation fault, accessing a fourth portion of the look-up table to determine a no-
fault condition, and accessing a fifth part of the look-up table to determine a disconnected
high-voltage component condition.
[0009] A method of the present invention also includes diagnosing a high-voltage
fault condition, such as a welded contactor, ESS isolation fault, and/or a disconnected
high-voltage component, in a vehicle having a chassis, a pair of contactors, an energy
storage system (ESS), and a high-voltage bus. The method includes measuring a first
total impedance level between the chassis and the high-voltage bus while the vehicle is
running, then commanding a shut-down of the vehicle before measuring a second total
impedance level at the same location after the shut-down. The method then includes the
comparison of the second total impedance level to the first total impedance level, and the
setting of an error code or a data code aboard the vehicle corresponding to the fault
condition when a ratio of the second total impedance level to the first total impedance
level is less than a threshold ratio.

[0010] A vehicle is also provided having a chassis, an energy storage system
(ESS), a motor/generator, and a high-voltage bus having a positive rail and a negative
rail. The high-voltage bus conducts electrical current from the ESS to the
motor/generator. The vehicle also includes a first contactor between the ESS and the at
least one motor/generator along the positive rail of the high-voltage bus, a second
contactor between the ESS and the at least one motor/generator on the negative rail, and a
measurement circuit or device for measuring a total impedance level between the chassis
and each of the positive and negative rails. A controller is in electrical communication
with the measurement device, and has an algorithm for determining a high-voltage fault
condition based on the total impedance level.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and the second
contactors is configured as either a single-pole, single-throw relay device or as a solid-
state switch.
[0012] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of
the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle having a controller
configured for detecting a welded contactor fault condition according to the invention;
[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the vehicle of Figure 1;
[0015] Figure 3 is a graphical flowchart describing a method for detecting a
welded contact in the vehicle of Figure 1; and
[0016] Figure 4 is a graphical table describing various fault states or conditions
aboard the vehicle of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like
components, and beginning with Figure 1, a vehicle 10 includes a controller 22 having a
method or algorithm 100 for detecting a high-voltage vehicle fault condition, such as a

welded contactor or contactors, a vehicle isolation fault, and/or a disconnected high-
voltage component, as will be described below with reference to Figure 3. The vehicle
10 as shown in Figure 1 also includes an engine 12 that is selectively connectable to a
transmission 19 for powering the vehicle. However, other power sources may also be
used to propel the vehicle 10 within the scope of the invention, such as a fuel cell (not
shown), or the vehicle 10 may be propelled exclusively via an electrical storage system
(ESS) 11 if the vehicle 10 is configured as an electric vehicle. In the embodiment of
Figure 1, the transmission 19 includes one or more motor/generators 18 (M/G A) and one
or more gear sets 16, such as simple or compound planetary gear sets, which are
drivingly connected to a final drive assembly 24. The gear sets 16 can be selectively
driven by the engine 12 and/or by the motor/generators 18. While only one
motor/generator 18 is shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that multiple motor/generators may also be used within the
scope of the invention.
[0018] The ESS 11 is electrically connected to a DC-to-AC converter 15 via a
high-voltage bus 17 and one or more electrical relays or contactors 28, and to the
motor/generators 18. The converter 15 is in turn connected to the motor/generator 18 by
an AC bus 25. When operating as a motor, the motor/generator 18 can draw electrical
energy from the ESS 11, and when operating as a generator, the motor/generator 18 can
generate electrical energy for storage within the ESS 11. As shown in Figure 1, the
contactor 28 is separate from the ESS 11. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the contactor 28 and the ESS 11 may be alternately configured as a single
unit.
[0019] Referring to Figure 2, a vehicle portion 10A of the vehicle 10 of Figure 1
shows the ESS 11, the converter 15, and the motor/generator 18 in further detail. The
controller 22 is in electrical communication with a measurement circuit or device 36,
labeled "M" in Figure 2 for simplicity. Alternately, although not shown in Figure 2, the
measurement device 36 may be functionally or physically integrated with the controller
22. The measurement device 36 is any device that is operable for measuring an electrical
impedance value between the high-voltage bus 17 (see Figure 1) and an electrical ground
such as a chassis 32 of the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1). The measurement device 36 is

therefore adapted for calculating a value that is proportional to the equivalent, parallel, or
total impedance levels between the rails 17A and 17B with respect to the chassis 32 (see
Figure 1), as will be described below. Alternately, the measurement device 36 is
operable for separately calculating an impedance level between a respective one of the
rails 17A, 17B and the chassis 32.
[0020] Additionally, each of the positive and negative rails 17A, 17B are
connected to the converter 15 (also see Figure 1), which is operable for converting the
direct current (DC) voltage supplied from the ESS 11 into a three-phase alternating
current (AC) voltage usable by the motor/generator 18 (see Figure 1). The three phases
are represented by the arrows i1, i2, and i3 in Figure 2, which are transmitted to the
different inductive coils 30 of the motor/generator 18 via the conductors 25.
[0021] The contactor 28 of Figure 1 is shown as two separate contactors 28A and
28B in Figure 2, which may either be separate devices from the ESS 11 or, as shown in
phantom, may be configured with the ESS 11 as a unit. In one embodiment, one or both
of the contactors 28A and 28B are single-pole, single-throw relay devices, or alternately
are solid-state switches of the type known in the art. However, other relay devices, such
as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) or an insulated gate
bipolar transistor (1GBT) solid-state device, each of the type known in the art, may be
used within the scope of the invention. The contactor 28A is positioned on the positive
rail 17A, and likewise, the contactor 28B is positioned on the negative rail 28B. In
response to the shutdown of the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1) and/or upon the occurrence of a
predetermined vehicle fault condition, each of the contactors 28A and 28B are
commanded to open in the direction of arrow A, thus isolating or disconnecting the ESS
11. When the vehicle 10 is operating, the controller 22 can command the contactors 28A,
28B to close in the direction of arrow B, thus connecting the ESS 11 to the
motor/generator 18 (see Figure 1) via the high-voltage bus 17 (see Figure 1).
[0022] Under certain circumstances, the contactors 28A, 28B may not open or
break their respective electrical connection. For example, a mechanical failure such as a
broken spring may prevent the contactor 28A, 28B from opening. Another possible
cause is an electrical fault or control issue that might force one of the contactors 28A,
28B to either open or close with an excessive or incorrect load across its terminals or

contacts, which in turn might lead to a welded contactor condition. If one or both of the
contactors 28A, 28B were to fail in a closed position, the vehicle control system, such as
controller 22, could lose some of its ability to contain high voltage within the ESS 11.
Likewise, if the contactors 28A, 28B fail in the open position, some control functionality
can be lost. By sequencing the opening and closing of each of the contactors 28A and
28B, the controller 22 can determine which contactor 28A, 28B has failed, and whether
that contactor has failed in an open or a closed position.
[0023] Referring to Figure 3, the method or algorithm 100 of Figures 1 and 2
utilizes the measurement device 36 (see Figure 2) to determine the first and second total
impedance values (RV1 and RV2, respectively) between the rails 17A, 17B of the high-
voltage bus 17 (see Figure 1) and the ground/chassis 32 (see Figure 2), to diagnose or
determine the presence of a vehicle high-voltage fault condition, ESS isolation fault, or
disconnected components, as described above, and to take appropriate maintenance
actions in response thereto. The measurement device 36, as controlled by the controller
22, selectively measures a first total impedance value, referred to hereinafter as RV1,
when the contactors 28A, 28B are closed, and a second total impedance value, referred to
hereinafter as RV2, when the contactors 28A, 28B are open. Using the method or
algorithm 100, various vehicle fault conditions can be detected, as will now be discussed
with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
[0024] Beginning with step 102, the algorithm 100 begins in conjunction with a
shutdown of the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1), such as a normal process of turning off the
engine 12 and/or the motor/generator 18 shown in Figure 1 when an operator turns an
ignition switch or key to "off, or when otherwise determined by the controller 22 (see
Figure 1). The algorithm 100 then proceeds to step 104.
[0025] At step 104, the algorithm 100 signals the measurement device 36 (see
Figure 2) to measure or otherwise determine the first total impedance value (RV1). This
value can be temporarily stored in a memory location of the controller 22 (see Figures 1
and 2), such as a circular buffer. Depending on the size of the buffer that is used, a
history of impedance values may be retained for access by a maintenance probe, remote
access via a telematics system, etc., depending on the design of the vehicle 10. Once the

first impedance value (RV1) has been properly recorded, the algorithm 100 proceeds to
step 106.
[0026] At step 106, the algorithm 100 signals or commands the contactor 28 (see
Figure 1) to open. As shown in Figure 2, in response to the command, each of the
contactors 28A and 28B on the respective positive rail 17A and negative rail 17B open,
i.e., move in the direction of arrow A, thus breaking the circuit between the electrical
storage system (ESS) 11 and the load, such as the converter 15 and the motor/generator
18 and/or the motor/generator 20 (see Figure 1). Once the contactor 28 (see Figure 1) has
been so signaled or commanded, the algorithm 100 proceeds to step 108.
[0027] At step 108, the algorithm 100 signals the measurement device 36 (see
Figure 2) to measure or otherwise determine the second total impedance value (RV2).
This value can also be temporarily stored in a memory location of the controller 22 (see
Figures 1 and 2), such as a second circular buffer or other suitable memory device. Once
the second total impedance level has been properly recorded, the algorithm 100 proceeds
in one embodiment to step 109, shown in phantom, and in another embodiment to step
110.
[0028] At step 109, which is shown in phantom in Figure 3, the algorithm 100
compares the total impedance values RV| and RV2 respectively determined at steps 104
and 108, as explained above. The algorithm 100 accesses a threshold range
corresponding to each of a "normal" and a "low" impedance value for each of the first
and second total impedance values RV1 and RV2, respectively. Step 109 may be
executed, for example, by accessing a look-up table that is stored within another memory
location of the controller 22 (see Figures 1 and 2), as will now be described with
reference to Figure 4.
[0029] Referring to Figure 4, a look-up table is indexed by the low and normal
ranges corresponding to first total impedance value (RV1) taken during the pre-open, i.e.,
closed, state of the contactor 28 (see Figure 1), and is also indexed by the second total
impedance level (RV2) taken during the open state of the contactor 28 (see Figure 1). In
the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the look-up table is therefore divided into
six boxes or portions, i.e., low-low and low-normal, normal-low and normal-normal, and

high-low and high-normal, with each portion corresponding to a particular predetermined
fault condition aboard the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1).
[0030] According to one embodiment, the predetermined fault conditions include
an ESS fault condition (low-low), which describes a condition in which the ESS 11 (see
Figures 1 and 2) is insufficiently isolated from the vehicle chassis 32 (see Figure 2); a
welded contactor condition (low-normal), in which one or both of the contactors 28A,
28B of Figure 2 are welded closed, thus potentially draining energy from the ESS 11 (see
Figures 1 and 2) and/or reducing the effectiveness of the contactor 28 (see Figure 1); a
vehicle isolation fault (low-normal), in which a short is potentially present somewhere
between the high-voltage bus 17 (see Figure 1) and the vehicle chassis 32 (see Figure 2);
and a no-fault condition (normal-normal), in which none of the fault conditions described
above are indicated. The predetermined fault conditions can also include a disconnected
component fault, wherein one or more high-voltage components, such as an air
conditioning module, are disconnected from the high-voltage bus 17 (see Figure 1). Such
a condition is represented if the impedance value (RV1) measured during the pre-open
state is determined to be high, regardless of the impedance value measured during the
post-open state (RV2).
[0031] In one embodiment, the ranges for the pre-open state, i.e., the first total
impedance level RV1, are set as follows: low = less than approximately 0.6 mega ohms
(MΩ), and normal = approximately 0.8 MΩ to 1.5 MΩ, with a target "normal" value of
approximately 1 MΩ. The limit or boundary between any low and normal range, or any
normal and high range, should sufficiently varied to avoid false positive measurements.
For example, if the low end of the normal range limit is set to 0.8 MΩ, a low isolation
threshold point may be set to 0.6 MΩ, so as to minimize instances of "false positive"
fault detection. In this embodiment, for example, the normal range for the open-state,
i.e., the second total impedance level RV2, can be set approximately 3 to 5MΩ, with a
target of approximately 4 MΩ. However, all of these ranges are intended to be
exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other ranges may be
substituted in accordance with the invention. After determining the system state, the
algorithm 100 proceeds to step 112.

[0032] At step 110, the algorithm 100 compares the total impedance values RV1
and RV2 respectively determined at steps 104 and 108, as explained above. Step 110
may be executed, for example, by accessing a stored threshold multiplier or ratio that is
stored within another memory location of the controller 22 (see Figures 1 and 2). For
example, if the second total impedance value RV2 is not sufficiently larger than the first
total impedance value RV1, the algorithm 100 can set a flag or diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) as needed.
[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, the controller 22 can be programmed with
a threshold RV2/RV1 ratio range of approximately 4:1 to 6:1, i.e., a RV2 to RV1 multiple
range of approximately 4 to 6. In this example, if the value of RV2 is 2.0 MΩ and the
value of RV1 is 1 MΩ., the ratio of RV2/RV1 of 2:1 falls outside of the allowable
threshold range of 4:1 to 6:1, and thus would result in the setting of a data code in the
controller 22 at step 112, as described below. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the 4:1 to 6:1 range of ratios is exemplary, and larger or smaller ratios or
multipliers may also be used within the scope of the invention by programming or setting
the controller 22 accordingly. If after comparing the values of RV1 and RV2 at step 110,
the algorithm 100 determines that the result or variance is outside of the predetermined
allowable range, the algorithm 100 proceeds to step 112. Otherwise, the algorithm 100 is
complete.
[0034] At step 112, the algorithm 100 executes a maintenance response aboard
the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1) in response to the first and the second impedance levels, or
RV1 and RV2, respectively. The maintenance response can be the setting of an
appropriate code or message within the controller 22 (see Figures 1 and 2), such as a
diagnostic trouble code (DTC) or flag indicating that a particular fault has occurred
aboard the vehicle 10 (see Figure 1). For example, each fault that is diagnosed by the
algorithm 100 can be assigned a unique DTC, such as a hex number, which may be
pulled from the controller 22 as needed by a vehicle maintenance person, probe, or via
remote telematics as needed. Other maintenance responses can include the illumination
or activation of an audible and/or visible alarm or indicator lamp (not shown) within the
vehicle 10 (see Figure 1), transmission of an alarm code to a remote location, etc.

[0035] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described
in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various
alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims.

CLAIMS
1. A method for detecting a high-voltage fault condition aboard a
vehicle having a chassis, a pair of contactors, an energy storage system (ESS), a high-
voltage bus, and at least one high-voltage component, the method comprising:
measuring a first impedance level between the high-voltage bus and the
chassis when the pair of contactors are in a closed state;
commanding an opening of the pair of contactors;
measuring a second impedance level between the high-voltage bus and the
chassis after the pair of contactors are commanded open;
comparing the first impedance level to the second impedance level; and
executing a maintenance response aboard the vehicle in response to the
first and the second impedance levels.
2. The method claim 1, wherein the high-voltage fault condition is
selected from the group consisting of a welded contactor condition, an ESS isolation
fault, and a disconnected component of the at least one high-voltage components.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein executing the maintenance
response in response to the first and the second impedance levels includes setting an error
code corresponding to a welded contactor condition when the second impedance level is
less than a threshold multiple of the first impedance level.

3. The method of claim 3, wherein the threshold multiple is a value
selected from the range of approximately 4 to 6.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing the first impedance
level to the second impedance level includes accessing a look-up table to thereby
determine a fault state, the look-up table being indexed in part by a predetermined low

range and a predetermined normal range of impedance values for each of the closed state
and the open state.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the predetermined normal range of
impedance values corresponding to the closed state is approximately 0.8 to 1.5 mega
Ohms and the predetermined normal range of impedance values corresponding to the
open state is approximately 3 to 5 mega Ohms.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein accessing the look-up table to
determine a fault state includes accessing a first portion of the look-up table to determine
an ESS isolation fault, accessing a second portion of the look-up table to determine the
welded contactor state, accessing a third portion of the look-up table to determine a
vehicle isolation fault, and accessing a fourth portion of the look-up table to determine a
no-fault condition.
7. A method for diagnosing a welded contactor condition in a vehicle
having a chassis, a pair of contactors, an energy storage system (ESS), and a high-voltage
bus, the method comprising:
measuring a first electrical impedance level between the chassis and the
high-voltage bus while the vehicle is running;
commanding a shut-down of the vehicle;
measuring a second electrical impedance level between the chassis and the
high-voltage bus after the shut-down has been commanded;
comparing the second electrical impedance level to the first electrical
impedance level; and
setting an error code aboard the vehicle corresponding to the welded
contactor condition when a ratio of the second electrical impedance level to the first
electrical impedance level is less than a threshold ratio.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the threshold ratio is
approximately 4:1 to 6:1.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein comparing the second electrical
impedance level to the first electrical impedance level includes accessing a look-up table.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein setting an error code aboard the
vehicle includes selecting from a plurality of different fault conditions as determined by
the first and the second electrical impedance levels.
11. A vehicle comprising:
a chassis;
an energy storage system (ESS);
at least one motor/generator;
a high-voltage bus having a positive rail and a negative rail, the high-
voltage bus being configured for conducting electrical current from the ESS to the at least
one motor/generator;
a first contactor that is electrically connected to the positive rail between
the ESS and the at least one motor/generator;
a second contactor being electrically connected to the negative rail
between the ESS and the at least one motor/generator;
a measurement device operable for measuring a total electrical impedance
level between the chassis and each of the positive and negative rails; and
a controller in electrical communication with the measurement device, and
having an algorithm for determining a welded contactor condition of at least one of the
first and the second contactor based on the total electrical impedance level.
12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and the
second contactors is configured as a device selected from the group consisting of a
single-pole/single-throw relay device and a solid-state switch.

13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the controller is adapted for
selecting between one of a plurality of different fault conditions as determined by the
total electrical impedance level.
14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the plurality of different fault
conditions are selected from the group consisting of an ESS isolation fault condition, the
welded contactor condition, a vehicle isolation fault condition, and a no-fault condition.
15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the plurality of different fault
conditions are stored within a look-up table and are accessible by the controller.

A method includes detecting high-voltage faults, such as welded
contactors or disconnected components, in a vehicle by measuring the total electrical
impedance between positive and negative rails of a high-voltage bus and a ground or
chassis, comparing the impedance before and after opening the contactors, and executing
a maintenance response. The response includes setting an error code when the open
impedance level is less than a threshold multiple of the closed impedance level. A
vehicle includes a chassis, energy storage system (ESS), motor/generator, and a high-
voltage bus conducting electrical current from the ESS to the motor/generator.
Contactors are positioned along each of the rails of the bus, a device for measuring a total
electrical impedance level between the chassis and each of the rails, and a controller for
determining a welded contactor condition of at least one of the contactors based on the
measured total electrical impedance level.

Documents:

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-ABSTRACT.pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-CLAIMS.pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-FORM-1.pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-FORM-2.pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-FORM-3.pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-FORM-5.pdf

219-KOL-2009-(22-08-2014)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

219-kol-2009-abstract.pdf

219-KOL-2009-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

219-kol-2009-claims.pdf

219-KOL-2009-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

219-KOL-2009-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

219-kol-2009-correspondence.pdf

219-kol-2009-description (complete).pdf

219-kol-2009-drawings.pdf

219-kol-2009-form 1.pdf

219-kol-2009-form 18.pdf

219-kol-2009-form 2.pdf

219-kol-2009-form 3.pdf

219-kol-2009-form 5.pdf

219-kol-2009-gpa.pdf

219-kol-2009-specification.pdf

219-KOL-2009-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

abstract-219-kol-2009.jpg


Patent Number 264491
Indian Patent Application Number 219/KOL/2009
PG Journal Number 01/2015
Publication Date 02-Jan-2015
Grant Date 31-Dec-2014
Date of Filing 09-Feb-2009
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Applicant Address 300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 JAMES E. TARCHINSKI 3135 PRIMROSE DRIVE ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN 48307
PCT International Classification Number B60W20/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 12/042,418 2008-03-05 U.S.A.