Apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a vehicle engine

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle engine operation control device and an engine operation control method. The engine operation control device includes a coolant temperature sensor that detects a coolant temperature passing through a coolant line of the engine. Furthermore, the device includes a first map and a second map in which the corresponding engine operating point is mapped to vehicle speed, gear position, driver requested torque and electric field load. The controller determines a candidate operating point using either of the first map and the second map based on a comparison of the coolant temperature and a predetermined threshold, and uses the candidate operating point to determine an optimum operating point of the engine.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the operation of an engine of a vehicle, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling the operation of an engine of a hybrid vehicle. Background technique [0002] A hybrid vehicle (eg, a hybrid electric vehicle) refers to a vehicle that is propelled by effectively combining two or more different power sources. Generally, a hybrid vehicle uses an electric motor with relatively good low-speed torque characteristics as a main power source at low speeds, and an engine with relatively good high-speed torque characteristics at high speeds as a main power source. Therefore, an engine using fossil fuel is stopped at low speeds, and an electric motor is used as a main power source, enabling hybrid vehicles to improve fuel consumption and reduce exhaust gas. [0003] In addition, the operating point of the vehicle engine is determined according to the required torque,...

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Problems solved by technology

[0004] On the other hand, when the vehicle is running on an actual road surface, the efficiency of each component may vary due to differences among vehicles, the driving distance of the vehicle, and the surrounding environment such as outdoor temperature (e.g., ambient environmental conditions)

Prior art system optimum operating lines do not reflect changes in the efficiency of individual components (e.g., engine, electric motor, transmission, or battery), so engine operating points determined based on system optimum operating lines may be determined at incorrect area, rather than in the area where fuel consumption is at its lowest, thereby reducing fuel consumption

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