Method and device for starting methanol range extender, vehicle and computer storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a starting method and device of a methanol range extender, a vehicle and a computer storage medium. When a starting instruction for the methanol range extender is detected, the vehicle provided with the methanol range extender acquires water temperature data of a vehicle engine; a rotation speed rising slope is determined according to the water temperature data, and the rotation speed of the vehicle engine is controlled to rise at the rotation speed rising slope so as to drag the vehicle engine to rise in rotation speed; when the rotation speed of the vehicle engine rises to a preset minimum rotation speed, the vehicle engine is controlled to spray and ignite fuel to start the methanol range extender. The technical scheme can adapt to the methanol fuel characteristics and the intake port fuel injection characteristics, ensure the normal starting of the methanol range extender, and take into account the fuel consumption, pollutant emission and NVH of the vehicle, thereby effectively improving the starting efficiency of the methanol range extender.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a starting method, apparatus, vehicle, and computer storage medium for a methanol range extender. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) have experienced rapid growth due to their ability to alleviate consumers' range anxiety and their independence from charging infrastructure. Furthermore, with the implementation of dual-carbon goals in the automotive industry, methanol fuel has gained attention from major manufacturers and designers due to its clean energy advantages. Against this backdrop, methanol range extenders have emerged.

[0003] However, because the starting response speed of methanol engines is slower than that of gasoline range extenders, and because range extenders require a rapid increase in engine speed to avoid the resonance zone that could cause the motor spline shaft to break, methanol range extenders using the traditional gasoline range extender starting strategy suffer from poor starting performance and are prone to starting failure. Although there are existing methods to control the starting of methanol range extenders by increasing the fuel injection quantity and increasing the generator drive speed, increasing the fuel injection quantity will inevitably increase fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, while increasing the generator drive speed will worsen the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) of the range extender during startup.

[0004] In summary, existing methods for controlling the start-up of methanol range extenders either increase fuel consumption and pollutant emissions or affect the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) during start-up, resulting in low start-up efficiency of methanol range extenders. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a starting method, device, vehicle, and computer storage medium for a methanol range extender, which aims to adapt to the characteristics of methanol fuel and intake manifold injection to ensure the normal starting of the methanol range extender, while taking into account fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and vehicle NVH, thereby effectively improving the starting efficiency of the methanol range extender.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a method for starting a methanol range extender, which is applied to a vehicle equipped with a methanol range extender. The method for starting the methanol range extender includes:

[0007] When a start command for the methanol range extender is detected, the coolant temperature data of the vehicle engine is acquired;

[0008] The speed increase slope is determined based on the water temperature data, and the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase its speed.

[0009] When the vehicle engine speed increases to a preset minimum speed, the vehicle engine is controlled to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender.

[0010] Optionally, the step of determining the slope of the rotational speed increase based on the water temperature data includes:

[0011] Load the software calibration model of the methanol range extender;

[0012] The average speed increase slope corresponding to the water temperature data in the software calibration model is obtained, and the speed increase slope is determined as the speed increase slope for controlling the vehicle generator to increase the speed to the target speed, wherein the target speed is determined based on the water temperature data and the software calibration model.

[0013] Optionally, the step of controlling the vehicle generator to increase its speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase its speed includes:

[0014] Obtain the fault status information of the vehicle generator, and determine whether to execute the start command based on the fault status information;

[0015] When the start command is confirmed to be executed, the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed and the speed of the vehicle generator is detected to see if it has reached the preset minimum speed.

[0016] When the vehicle engine speed is detected to have reached the preset minimum speed, the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed to the target speed according to the speed increase slope.

[0017] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0018] The duration of the vehicle engine maintaining idle speed is statistically analyzed, wherein the idle speed is greater than the target speed;

[0019] If the engine speed is maintained for a time greater than or equal to a preset idle speed maintenance time threshold before the vehicle's generator speed reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have started successfully.

[0020] Optionally, after the step of statistically analyzing the engine speed maintenance time for idling, the method further includes:

[0021] If the speed maintenance time is less than the idle speed maintenance time threshold when the vehicle generator reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have failed to start and the vehicle generator is controlled to stop driving the vehicle engine.

[0022] or,

[0023] If the vehicle engine speed is less than the idle speed when the vehicle generator speed reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have failed to start and the vehicle generator is controlled to stop driving the vehicle engine.

[0024] Optionally, after the step of controlling the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender, the method further includes:

[0025] If the vehicle engine speed is less than the idle speed or the speed maintenance time is less than or equal to the idle speed maintenance time threshold, then control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite until the vehicle generator stops driving the vehicle engine.

[0026] Optionally, prior to the step of acquiring the vehicle engine coolant temperature data upon detecting a start command for the methanol range extender, the method further includes:

[0027] Real-time monitoring of vehicle hardwire signals and bus signals;

[0028] When the start-up of the range extender is confirmed based on the hard-wired signal and the bus signal, a start-up command for the methanol range extender is generated.

[0029] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a starting device for a methanol range extender, which is applied to a vehicle equipped with a methanol range extender. The starting device for the methanol range extender includes:

[0030] The acquisition module is used to acquire the water temperature data of the vehicle engine when a start command for the methanol range extender is detected.

[0031] The drag control module is used to determine the speed increase slope based on the water temperature data, and control the vehicle generator to increase the speed according to the speed increase slope to drag the vehicle engine to increase the speed.

[0032] The starting module is used to control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender when the vehicle engine speed increases to a preset minimum speed.

[0033] Each functional module of the methanol range extender starting device can implement the steps of the methanol range extender starting method as described above during operation.

[0034] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a memory, a processor, and a program for starting the methanol range extender stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program for starting the methanol range extender is executed by the processor, the steps of the methanol range extender starting method as described above can be implemented.

[0035] This application also provides a computer storage medium storing a program that implements the above-described methanol range extender startup method. When the program for the methanol range extender startup method is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the methanol range extender startup method as described above.

[0036] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described methanol range extender startup method.

[0037] This application provides a method, apparatus, vehicle, and computer storage medium for starting a methanol range extender. When a vehicle equipped with a methanol range extender detects a start command for the methanol range extender, it acquires the engine coolant temperature data; determines the speed increase slope based on the coolant temperature data, and controls the vehicle generator to increase its speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase its speed; when the vehicle engine speed reaches a preset minimum speed, it controls the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender.

[0038] Thus, this application uses the vehicle engine's water temperature data to determine the current speed rise slope of the vehicle generator, and then controls the vehicle generator to increase its speed based on this speed rise slope to drive the vehicle engine. When the speed of the vehicle engine is increased to a preset minimum speed (the minimum speed that exceeds the resonance zone that would cause the motor spline shaft to break), the vehicle engine is controlled to inject fuel and ignite to start the vehicle's methanol range extender.

[0039] In other words, compared with the traditional method of controlling the start of methanol range extender, the technical solution of this application controls the vehicle generator to drive the vehicle engine based on the water temperature of the vehicle engine, thereby controlling the start of methanol range extender. This achieves the goal of ensuring normal start of methanol range extender while adapting to the characteristics of methanol fuel and intake manifold injection characteristics, while also taking into account fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle NVH, thus effectively improving the start-up efficiency of methanol range extender. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the start-up method for the methanol range extender of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control architecture of a methanol range extender according to an embodiment of the methanol range extender startup method of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a MAP (Ignition Control Curve) diagram of the software calibration model of the generator-driven target speed, the longest driving time, and the engine coolant temperature in an embodiment of the starting method of the methanol range extender of this application.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the start-up control strategy of the methanol range extender according to an embodiment of the start-up method of the methanol range extender in this application;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the functional modules involved in an embodiment of the starting device for the methanol range extender of this application;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment structure of the hardware operating environment involved in the vehicle in the embodiments of this application.

[0048] The purpose, features, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0049] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0050] It's worth noting that range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) have experienced rapid growth due to their ability to alleviate range anxiety and eliminate reliance on charging infrastructure. Furthermore, with the implementation of dual-carbon goals in the automotive industry, methanol fuel has gained attention from major manufacturers and designers due to its clean energy advantages. Against this backdrop, methanol range extenders have emerged.

[0051] However, because the starting response speed of methanol engines is slower than that of gasoline range extenders, and because range extenders require a rapid increase in engine speed to avoid the resonance zone that could cause the motor spline shaft to break, methanol range extenders, using the traditional starting strategy of gasoline range extenders, suffer from poor starting performance and are prone to starting failure. Although there are existing methods to control the starting of methanol range extenders by increasing the fuel injection quantity and increasing the generator drive speed, increasing the fuel injection quantity will inevitably increase fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, while increasing the generator drive speed will worsen the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) of the range extender during startup.

[0052] In summary, existing methods for controlling the start-up of methanol range extenders either increase fuel consumption and pollutant emissions or affect the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) during start-up, resulting in low start-up efficiency of methanol range extenders.

[0053] Based on the above phenomena, this application provides a method for starting a methanol range extender. When a vehicle equipped with a methanol range extender detects a start command for the methanol range extender, the vehicle engine coolant temperature data is acquired; the speed increase slope is determined based on the coolant temperature data, and the vehicle generator is controlled to increase the speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase the speed; when the vehicle engine speed increases to a preset minimum speed, the vehicle engine is controlled to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender.

[0054] In one embodiment of the methanol range extender starting method of this application, the application obtains the water temperature data of the vehicle engine to determine the current speed rise slope of the vehicle generator to increase the speed, and then controls the vehicle generator to increase the speed based on the speed rise slope to drive the vehicle engine. When the speed of the vehicle engine is increased to a preset minimum speed (the minimum speed that exceeds the resonance zone that causes the spline shaft of the motor to break), the vehicle engine is controlled to inject fuel and ignite to start the vehicle methanol range extender.

[0055] In other words, compared with the traditional method of controlling the start of methanol range extender, the technical solution of this application controls the vehicle generator to drive the vehicle engine based on the water temperature of the vehicle engine, thereby controlling the start of methanol range extender. This achieves the goal of ensuring normal start of methanol range extender while adapting to the characteristics of methanol fuel and intake manifold injection characteristics, while also taking into account fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle NVH, thus effectively improving the start-up efficiency of methanol range extender.

[0056] Based on the overall concept of the methanol range extender startup method of this application, a first embodiment of the methanol range extender startup method of this application is proposed.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the start-up method for the methanol range extender of this application. It should be noted that although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than that shown here.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the executing entity of the methanol range extender starting method of this application can be the vehicle itself. Of course, the executing entity of the methanol range extender starting method of this application can also be a data processing terminal integrated into the vehicle or a terminal device connected to the vehicle. For ease of explanation and reading comprehension, the following text will use the vehicle as the executing entity to describe the first embodiment of the methanol range extender starting method of this application.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, in the first embodiment of the methanol range extender startup method of this application, the startup method specifically includes the following steps:

[0060] Step S10: When a start command for the methanol range extender is detected, the coolant temperature data of the vehicle engine is acquired;

[0061] In this embodiment, during real-time operation, the vehicle equipped with a methanol range extender continuously detects whether a start command for the methanol range extender is generated. When the vehicle detects the start command, it immediately obtains the engine coolant temperature data from the vehicle's internal CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0062] Step S20: Determine the speed increase slope based on the water temperature data, and control the vehicle generator to increase the speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase the speed.

[0063] In this embodiment, after the vehicle obtains the water temperature data of the vehicle engine, it immediately loads a pre-set software calibration model to determine the speed rise slope of the vehicle generator at the current control based on the water temperature data, and further controls the vehicle generator to increase its own speed in a short period of time according to the speed rise slope, thereby driving the vehicle engine to increase its speed.

[0064] Step S30: When the speed of the vehicle engine increases to a preset minimum speed, control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender.

[0065] In this embodiment, after the vehicle controls the vehicle generator to increase its speed to drive the vehicle engine, the vehicle begins to detect the speed of the vehicle engine. When the vehicle detects that the speed of the vehicle engine has increased to a preset minimum speed that exceeds the resonance zone that would cause the motor spline shaft to break, the vehicle immediately controls the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender.

[0066] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the preset minimum speed can be specifically set to 500 rpm. It should be understood that, based on different design requirements for actual applications, if different types of range extenders are used, this preset minimum speed can of course be set to other different values. Therefore, the starting method of the methanol range extender in this application does not limit the specific value of this preset minimum speed.

[0067] In this embodiment, during real-time operation, the vehicle equipped with a methanol range extender continuously monitors for the generation of a start command for the methanol range extender. Upon detecting such a start command, the vehicle immediately obtains the engine coolant temperature data from its internal CAN network. After obtaining the engine coolant temperature data, the vehicle immediately loads a pre-set software calibration model to determine the speed ramp rate for controlling the generator's speed increase based on the coolant temperature data. Furthermore, the vehicle controls the generator to increase its speed within a short period according to this speed ramp rate, thereby driving the engine to increase its speed. After controlling the generator to increase its speed to drive the engine, the vehicle begins to monitor the engine's speed. When the vehicle detects that the engine speed has increased to a preset minimum speed exceeding the resonance zone that could cause the motor spline shaft to break, the vehicle immediately controls the engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender.

[0068] Thus, compared to the traditional method of controlling the start of a methanol range extender, the technical solution of this application controls the vehicle generator to drive the vehicle engine based on the engine's water temperature, thereby controlling the start of the methanol range extender. This achieves the goal of ensuring the normal start of the methanol range extender while adapting to the characteristics of methanol fuel and intake manifold injection, while also taking into account fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and vehicle NVH, thereby effectively improving the start-up efficiency of the methanol range extender.

[0069] Furthermore, based on the first embodiment of the methanol range extender startup method of this application described above, a second embodiment of the methanol range extender startup method of this application is proposed.

[0070] In this embodiment, before acquiring the vehicle engine coolant temperature data when a start command for the methanol range extender is detected in step S10 above, the start method for the methanol range extender of this application further includes:

[0071] Real-time monitoring of vehicle hardwire signals and bus signals;

[0072] When the start-up of the range extender is confirmed based on the hard-wired signal and the bus signal, a start-up command for the methanol range extender is generated.

[0073] In this embodiment, during vehicle startup and operation, the vehicle's own configured vehicle controller can monitor its various hardwired signals and bus signals in real time via an external public CAN network and / or an internal CAN network. Based on these signals, the vehicle further determines whether the range extender needs to be activated. Upon confirming the need to activate the range extender, the vehicle immediately generates a start command for its configured methanol range extender. The vehicle can then continue executing step S10 to acquire the engine coolant temperature data and perform subsequent steps to activate the methanol range extender upon detecting the start command.

[0074] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle's built-in vehicle control unit (VCU) communicates with the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) via an external public CAN network, and with the vehicle's engine management system (EMS) and generator controller (GCU) via an internal CAN network. Thus, the VCU can receive bus signals such as remaining battery charge (SOC), remaining fuel level, vehicle fault signals, generator fault signals, and engine fault signals, as well as hard-wired signals such as range extender start, uploaded by the BMS, EMS, and / or GCU to the external public CAN network and / or internal CAN network. Furthermore, the VCU can use these hard-wired and bus signals to determine whether the range extender needs to be started, and if so, immediately generate a start command for the methanol range extender configured in the vehicle.

[0075] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the vehicle control unit (VCU) can determine whether the range extender needs to be activated based on the vehicle status, individually or in combination, represented by bus signals such as remaining battery SOC, remaining fuel level, vehicle fault signals, generator fault signals, and engine fault signals, and / or hard-wired signals such as range extender activation. For example, when the VCU receives a hard-wired signal from the driver to activate the range extender, it can immediately determine that the range extender needs to be activated. Alternatively, the VCU can also determine that the range extender needs to be activated when it receives bus signals for remaining battery SOC and remaining fuel level, and determines that the vehicle's current remaining battery SOC is low but the remaining fuel level is relatively sufficient.

[0076] In this embodiment, the vehicle can monitor its own hardwired signals and bus signals in real time via an external public CAN network and / or an internal CAN network through its own configured vehicle controller. Based on these signals, the vehicle can determine whether the range extender needs to be activated. Upon confirming the need to activate the range extender, the vehicle immediately generates a start command for its configured methanol range extender. The vehicle can then continue executing step S10 to acquire the engine coolant temperature data and perform subsequent steps to activate the methanol range extender upon detecting the start command.

[0077] Therefore, compared with the existing method of increasing the methanol injection volume to start the methanol range extender, the technical solution of this application only involves modifications to the vehicle controller, generator controller and engine management system at the software control strategy level, thereby making the technical solution of this application for controlling the start of the methanol range extender easy to be applied on a platform.

[0078] Furthermore, based on the first and / or second embodiments of the methanol range extender startup method of this application described above, a third embodiment of the methanol range extender startup method of this application is proposed.

[0079] In this embodiment, the target speed at which the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed to drive the vehicle engine is greater than the preset minimum speed that exceeds the resonance zone that would cause the motor spline shaft to break. Based on this, the step S20 above, "determining the speed increase slope based on the water temperature data," may include:

[0080] Load the software calibration model of the methanol range extender;

[0081] The average speed increase slope corresponding to the water temperature data in the software calibration model is obtained, and the speed increase slope is determined as the speed increase slope for controlling the vehicle generator to increase the speed to the target speed, wherein the target speed is determined based on the water temperature data and the software calibration model.

[0082] In this embodiment, when the vehicle determines the speed rise slope for controlling the vehicle generator to increase its speed based on the vehicle engine's coolant temperature data, it first loads a pre-set software calibration model for controlling the start of the vehicle's methanol range extender. In this software calibration model, the average speed rise slope corresponding to the vehicle engine's coolant temperature data is obtained. Then, this average speed rise slope is determined as the speed rise slope that needs to be controlled to increase the vehicle generator's speed to reach the target speed in order to drive the vehicle engine's speed.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 3As shown, the vehicle loads a pre-set software calibration model for controlling the start of the vehicle's methanol range extender. Based on the current engine coolant temperature data, the model determines the average slope of the speed increase from 500 rpm to the target speed (average slope k shown in the figure) corresponding to the coolant temperature data T. This average slope of the speed increase is then used as the speed increase slope for controlling the vehicle's generator to increase its own speed to the target speed n.

[0084] Optionally, in a feasible embodiment, the step of "controlling the vehicle generator to increase its speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase its speed" in step S20 above may include:

[0085] Obtain the fault status information of the vehicle generator, and determine whether to execute the start command based on the fault status information;

[0086] When the start command is confirmed to be executed, the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed and the speed of the vehicle generator is detected to see if it has reached the preset minimum speed.

[0087] When the vehicle engine speed is detected to have reached the preset minimum speed, the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed to the target speed according to the speed increase slope.

[0088] In this embodiment, after the vehicle controller determines that the range extender needs to be started and generates a start command for the methanol range extender, it further transmits this start command to the vehicle's generator controller via the vehicle controller. Thus, the vehicle can obtain the generator's fault status information at the current moment through the generator controller. Based on this fault status information, if it is confirmed that the generator is currently fault-free, the vehicle executes the start command transmitted by the vehicle controller. Consequently, the vehicle can control the generator to increase its speed within a short period. At this time, the vehicle can detect the real-time engine speed. When it detects that the engine speed has reached the preset minimum speed for exceeding the resonance zone, it begins to further control the generator to increase its speed according to the speed increase slope determined from the software calibration model until the target speed is reached.

[0089] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, after the vehicle controller (VCU) determines that the range extender needs to be started and generates a start command for the methanol range extender, it further transmits this start command to the vehicle's generator controller (GCU) via the VCU. Upon receiving the start command, the generator controller (GCU) immediately obtains the current fault status information of the vehicle generator (CISG) based on its communication with the CISG, and further determines whether to execute the start command based on this fault status information. If so, the generator controller (GCU) controls the CISG to rapidly increase its speed from 0 to drive the engine. During this process, the vehicle continuously checks whether the real-time engine speed has reached the preset minimum speed n1 (500 rpm). If not, the generator continues to drive the engine rapidly until n1 is reached. If the real-time engine speed has reached n1, the vehicle further increases the generator speed according to the speed increase slope k corresponding to the current engine coolant temperature data T in the software calibration model until the target speed n corresponding to the engine coolant temperature data T in the software calibration model.

[0090] Optionally, in a feasible embodiment, the start-up method of the methanol range extender described in this application may further include:

[0091] The duration of the vehicle engine maintaining idle speed is statistically analyzed, wherein the idle speed is greater than the target speed;

[0092] If the engine speed is maintained for a time greater than or equal to a preset idle speed maintenance time threshold before the vehicle's generator speed reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have started successfully.

[0093] In this embodiment, the vehicle loads the aforementioned software calibration model to obtain the engine speed rise slope corresponding to the engine coolant temperature data. Then, based on this rise slope, the vehicle's generator is controlled to increase its speed to drive the engine speed. Simultaneously or asynchronously, the vehicle also statistically analyzes the duration for which the engine, driven by the generator, maintains its speed at or above the target idle speed. Afterward, the vehicle detects the difference between this speed maintenance time and a pre-set idle speed maintenance time threshold.

[0094] Thus, if the vehicle detects that the speed of the vehicle's generator has not yet reached the aforementioned target speed, and the vehicle's engine maintains idling speed for a period of time that exceeds the preset idling time threshold, the vehicle can determine that the current vehicle engine has completed fuel injection and ignition, and successfully started the methanol range extender configured in the vehicle.

[0095] Optionally, in another feasible embodiment, after the above-described step of "statistically calculating the engine speed maintenance time of the vehicle at idle speed", the starting method of the methanol range extender of this application may further include:

[0096] If the speed maintenance time is less than the idle speed maintenance time threshold when the vehicle generator reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have failed to start and the vehicle generator is controlled to stop driving the vehicle engine.

[0097] or,

[0098] If the vehicle engine speed is less than the idle speed when the vehicle generator speed reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have failed to start and the vehicle generator is controlled to stop driving the vehicle engine.

[0099] In this embodiment, if the vehicle detects that the speed of the vehicle generator has reached the target speed, but the engine speed maintenance time is still less than the preset idle time threshold, the vehicle can determine that the methanol range extender currently configured in the vehicle has failed to start.

[0100] Alternatively, if the vehicle detects that the vehicle's generator speed has reached the aforementioned target speed, but the vehicle's own engine speed is still lower than the idle speed, then the vehicle can also determine that the methanol range extender currently configured in the vehicle has failed to start.

[0101] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the idle speed maintenance time threshold is assumed to be 200ms. It should be understood that, based on different design requirements of actual applications, the idle speed maintenance time threshold can be set to different values ​​in different feasible implementations. Therefore, the starting method of the methanol range extender in this application does not limit the specific value of the idle speed maintenance time threshold.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the vehicle controller sends the start command to the generator controller, it also sends the start command to the engine management system. Thus, when the engine management system detects that the engine speed has increased to the preset minimum speed that exceeds the resonance zone during the process of the vehicle generator driving the vehicle engine to increase the speed, it controls the vehicle engine to perform a start-up operation to start the methanol range extender configured in the vehicle.

[0103] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, while the vehicle's generator (CISG) is maintained at the target speed n by the generator controller (GCU), the system also counts the first speed maintenance time of the generator (CISG) at the target speed n, and further determines whether this first speed maintenance time reaches the longest drag time t corresponding to the current coolant temperature data of the vehicle engine in the aforementioned software calibration model. If the first speed maintenance time is within the longest drag time t (i.e., the first speed maintenance time is less than the longest drag time t), and the current vehicle engine speed is not less than idle speed (the specific value can be set based on different design needs of actual applications) and the maintenance time is greater than the idle speed maintenance time threshold of 200ms, then the vehicle determines that the vehicle engine has completed the fuel injection ignition operation and successfully started the vehicle's methanol range extender. Simultaneously, the generator controller (GCU) will control the generator (CISG) to stop dragging the vehicle engine. Otherwise, the vehicle determines that the methanol range extender startup has failed, and simultaneously controls the generator (CISG) to stop dragging the vehicle engine via the generator controller (GCU).

[0104] In this embodiment, the technical solution of this application determines the speed increase slope based on the engine coolant temperature to control the generator to increase its speed, thereby driving the engine to inject fuel and ignite, thus starting the methanol range extender. This eliminates the need to increase the methanol injection volume or the vehicle generator speed. In other words, the technical solution of this application significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions during the methanol range extender's start-up operation. Furthermore, by reducing the precious metal content in the range extender's aftertreatment system, the particulate filter (GPF) in the aftertreatment system can be eliminated, significantly reducing the cost of the aftertreatment system. It also improves the NVH performance of the methanol range extender during start-up, making it comparable to that of gasoline range extenders on the market.

[0105] Furthermore, based on the first, second, and / or third embodiments of the methanol range extender startup method described above, a fourth embodiment of the methanol range extender startup method of this application is proposed.

[0106] Optionally, in a feasible embodiment, after the above-described step of "controlling the vehicle engine fuel injection and ignition", the starting method of the methanol range extender of this application may further include:

[0107] If the vehicle engine speed is less than the idle speed or the speed maintenance time is less than or equal to the idle speed maintenance time threshold, then control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite until the vehicle generator stops driving the vehicle engine.

[0108] In this embodiment, after the terminal device detects that the vehicle engine speed has increased to the preset minimum speed that crosses the resonance zone, and controls the vehicle engine to perform fuel injection and ignition, if the vehicle detects that the vehicle engine speed is still lower than the idle speed, or if the vehicle engine maintains the speed at idle (or above) for a time that is less than or equal to the idle speed maintenance time threshold, then the vehicle determines that the current operation of controlling the vehicle engine to perform fuel injection and ignition has not successfully started the vehicle's methanol range extender. Thus, the vehicle continues to control the vehicle engine to perform fuel injection and ignition again to start the methanol range extender while the vehicle generator continues to drive the vehicle engine to maintain the vehicle engine speed at the preset minimum speed.

[0109] Otherwise, when the vehicle generator reaches the target speed in the software calibration model and stops towing the vehicle engine, if the vehicle detects that the engine speed is still less than the idle speed, the vehicle will determine that the start-up of the methanol range extender has failed, and the vehicle will simultaneously control the engine to stop the fuel injection and ignition operation.

[0110] In addition, this application also provides a starting device for a methanol range extender, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the starting device for the methanol range extender of this application is used in vehicles equipped with a methanol range extender. The starting device for the methanol range extender of this application includes:

[0111] The acquisition module 10 is used to acquire the water temperature data of the vehicle engine when a start command for the methanol range extender is detected.

[0112] The drive control module 20 is used to determine the speed increase slope based on the water temperature data, and control the vehicle generator to increase the speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase the speed.

[0113] The starting module 30 is used to control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender when the vehicle engine speed increases to a preset minimum speed.

[0114] Optionally, the drag control module 20 includes:

[0115] A model loading unit is used to load the software calibration model of the methanol range extender.

[0116] The parameter determination unit is used to obtain the average speed increase slope corresponding to the water temperature data in the software calibration model, and determine the speed increase slope as the speed increase slope for controlling the vehicle generator to increase the speed to the target speed, wherein the target speed is determined based on the water temperature data and the software calibration model.

[0117] Optionally, the drag control module 20 also includes:

[0118] The fault detection unit is used to acquire fault status information of the vehicle generator and determine whether to execute the start command based on the fault status information.

[0119] The drag unit is configured to, upon confirmation of execution of the start command, control the vehicle generator to increase its speed and detect whether the speed of the vehicle generator has reached a preset minimum speed; and, upon detection that the speed of the vehicle engine has reached the preset minimum speed, control the vehicle generator to increase its speed to the target speed according to the speed increase slope.

[0120] Optionally, the drag control module 20 is also used to count the speed maintenance time of the vehicle engine maintaining idle speed, wherein the idle speed is greater than the target speed; and if the speed maintenance time is greater than or equal to a preset idle speed maintenance time threshold before the vehicle generator speed reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have started successfully.

[0121] Optionally, the towing control module 20 is further configured to determine that the methanol range extender has failed to start and control the vehicle generator to stop towing the vehicle engine if the speed maintenance time is less than the idle speed maintenance time threshold when the speed of the vehicle generator reaches the target speed; or, if the speed of the vehicle engine is less than the idle speed when the speed of the vehicle generator reaches the target speed, determine that the methanol range extender has failed to start and control the vehicle generator to stop towing the vehicle engine.

[0122] Optionally, the drag control module 20 is further configured to control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite until the vehicle generator stops dragging the vehicle engine if the speed of the vehicle engine is less than the idle speed or the speed maintenance time is less than or equal to the idle speed maintenance time threshold.

[0123] Optionally, the starting device for the methanol range extender of this application further includes:

[0124] The start-up judgment module is used to monitor the vehicle's hardwire signals and bus signals in real time; and, when the start-up of the range extender is confirmed based on the hardwire signals and bus signals, it generates a start-up command for the methanol range extender.

[0125] The specific implementation of the starting device for the methanol range extender in this application is basically the same as the various embodiments of the starting method for the methanol range extender described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0126] In addition, this application also provides a vehicle as mentioned in any of the above embodiments.

[0127] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the device structure of the hardware operating environment of the vehicle mentioned in the embodiments of this application.

[0128] like Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle may include: a processor 1001, such as a CPU, a memory 1005, and a communication bus 1002. The communication bus 1002 is used to establish communication between the processor 1001 and the memory 1005. The memory 1005 may be a high-speed RAM or a stable, non-volatile memory, such as a disk drive. Optionally, the memory 1005 may also be a storage device independent of the aforementioned processor 1001.

[0129] Optionally, the vehicle also includes a methanol range extender, a vehicle control unit (VCU), a battery management system (BMS), an engine management system (EMS), and a generator control unit (GCU). The VCU communicates with the BMS via an external public CAN bus and with the EMS and GCU via an internal CAN bus. Additionally, the vehicle may include a body control module (BCM), an ECU, a rectangular user interface, a network interface, cameras, RF (Radio Frequency) circuitry, sensors, audio circuitry, a Wi-Fi module, etc. The rectangular user interface may include a display screen and an input submodule such as a keyboard; optionally, the rectangular user interface may also include standard wired or wireless interfaces. The network interface may optionally include standard wired or wireless interfaces (such as a Wi-Fi interface). The vehicle also communicates with the remote service platform (TSP) via a T-BOX.

[0130] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 6 The structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the vehicle. Based on different design needs of actual applications, the vehicle may of course include more or fewer components than shown in different feasible implementations, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown, the memory 1005, serving as a storage medium, may include an operating system, a network communication module, and a startup program for the methanol range extender. The operating system manages and controls programs based on vehicle hardware and software resources, supporting the startup program for the methanol range extender and the operation of other software and / or programs. The network communication module enables communication between the various components within the memory 1005, as well as communication with other hardware and software in the methanol range extender's startup device.

[0132] exist Figure 6 In the vehicle shown, the processor 1001 is used to execute the start-up program of the methanol range extender stored in the memory 1005 to implement the steps of the start-up method of the methanol range extender described in any of the above embodiments.

[0133] The specific implementation method of the vehicle in this application is basically the same as the various embodiments of the starting method of the methanol range extender described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0134] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a computer storage medium, which stores one or more programs, which can be executed by one or more processors to implement the steps of the methanol range extender startup method described in any of the above claims.

[0135] The specific implementation of the computer storage medium in this application is basically the same as the various embodiments of the starting method of the methanol range extender described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0136] In addition, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described methanol range extender startup method.

[0137] The specific implementation method of the computer program product in this application is basically the same as the various embodiments of the starting method of the methanol range extender described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0138] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0139] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0140] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be an in-vehicle computer, smartphone, computer, or server, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0141] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A starting method for a methanol range extender, characterized in that, The methanol range extender startup method is applied to vehicles equipped with a methanol range extender, and the methanol range extender startup method includes: When a start command for the methanol range extender is detected, the coolant temperature data of the vehicle engine is acquired; Load the software calibration model of the methanol range extender; The average slope of the speed increase corresponding to the water temperature data in the software calibration model is obtained, and the average slope of the speed increase is determined as the speed increase slope for controlling the vehicle generator to increase the speed to the target speed. The target speed is determined based on the water temperature data and the software calibration model, and the target speed is higher than the preset minimum speed of the resonance zone that causes the motor spline shaft to break. The vehicle generator is controlled to increase the speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase the speed. When the vehicle engine speed increases to a preset minimum speed, the vehicle engine is controlled to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender. The preset minimum speed is the minimum speed that exceeds the resonance zone that would cause the motor spline shaft to break. The duration of the vehicle engine maintaining idle speed is statistically analyzed, wherein the idle speed is greater than the target speed; If the engine speed is maintained for a time greater than or equal to a preset idle speed maintenance time threshold before the vehicle's generator speed reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have started successfully.

2. The start-up method of the methanol range extender as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the vehicle generator to increase its speed according to the speed increase slope to drive the vehicle engine to increase its speed includes: Obtain the fault status information of the vehicle generator, and determine whether to execute the start command based on the fault status information; When the start command is confirmed to be executed, the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed and the speed of the vehicle generator is detected to see if it has reached the preset minimum speed. When the vehicle engine speed is detected to have reached the preset minimum speed, the vehicle generator is controlled to increase its speed to the target speed according to the speed increase slope.

3. The start-up method for the methanol range extender as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of statistically analyzing the engine speed maintenance time of the vehicle at idle, the method further includes: If the speed maintenance time is less than the idle speed maintenance time threshold when the vehicle generator reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have failed to start and the vehicle generator is controlled to stop driving the vehicle engine. or, If the vehicle engine speed is less than the idle speed when the vehicle generator speed reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have failed to start and the vehicle generator is controlled to stop driving the vehicle engine.

4. The start-up method of the methanol range extender as described in claim 3, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender, the method further includes: If the vehicle engine speed is less than the idle speed or the speed maintenance time is less than or equal to the idle speed maintenance time threshold, then control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite until the vehicle generator stops driving the vehicle engine.

5. The starting method of the methanol range extender as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Prior to the step of acquiring the vehicle engine coolant temperature data upon detecting a start command for the methanol range extender, the method further includes: Real-time monitoring of vehicle hardwire signals and bus signals; When the start-up of the range extender is confirmed based on the hard-wired signal and the bus signal, a start-up command for the methanol range extender is generated.

6. A starting device for a methanol range extender, characterized in that, The starting device for the methanol range extender is applied to vehicles equipped with a methanol range extender, and the starting device for the methanol range extender includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the water temperature data of the vehicle engine when a start command for the methanol range extender is detected. A drag control module is used to load the software calibration model of the methanol range extender; obtain the average speed increase slope corresponding to the water temperature data in the software calibration model, and determine the average speed increase slope as the speed increase slope for controlling the vehicle generator to increase the speed to the target speed, wherein the target speed is determined based on the water temperature data and the software calibration model, and the target speed is higher than the preset minimum speed of the resonance zone that causes the motor spline shaft to break, and the vehicle generator is controlled to increase the speed according to the speed increase slope to drag the vehicle engine to increase the speed; The starting module is used to control the vehicle engine to inject fuel and ignite to start the methanol range extender when the vehicle engine speed increases to a preset minimum speed, wherein the preset minimum speed is the minimum speed that exceeds the resonance zone that would cause the motor spline shaft to break. The drag control module is also used to count the time during which the vehicle engine maintains idle speed, wherein the idle speed is greater than the target speed; if the time during which the engine maintains idle speed is greater than or equal to a preset idle speed maintenance time threshold before the vehicle generator reaches the target speed, then the methanol range extender is determined to have started successfully.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes: a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory for implementing the start-up method of the methanol range extender. The memory is used to store a program for implementing the startup method of the methanol range extender; The processor is configured to execute a program that implements the startup method of the methanol range extender, thereby implementing the steps of the startup method of the methanol range extender as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The computer storage medium stores a program for implementing a method for starting a methanol range extender, which is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method for starting a methanol range extender as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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