Control device for a motor-generator, and power generation device and mobile body including the control device

Abstract

A control device (50) of a motor generator (42) connected to an internal combustion engine (41) includes an estimation section (52) that estimates an estimated value of a torque ripple of the internal combustion engine, i.e., an estimated torque ripple, and a control section (53) that controls the motor generator to reduce generated power and suppress a decrease in a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine in a case where a negative torque that hinders rotation of the internal combustion engine occurs in the estimated torque ripple of the internal combustion engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for controlling a generator-motor connected to an internal combustion engine of a vehicle or the like, as well as a generator and a moving body including the control device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which, in a generator-motor connected to the output shaft of an internal combustion engine in a manner capable of transmitting torque between the generator and the internal combustion engine, torque pulsations in the internal combustion engine are mitigated during periods when a torque (negative torque) in a direction that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated. This is achieved by operating the generator-motor as a motor and performing auxiliary drive operation on the internal combustion engine. By mitigating the torque pulsations, vibrations in the internal combustion engine are reduced.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5142374 Summary of the Invention

[0006] As shown in Patent Document 1, when the generator motor is used for auxiliary drive operation to reduce torque pulsation in an internal combustion engine, the power generated by the generator motor is consumed by the auxiliary drive operation, which may reduce the power generation efficiency. To improve the power generation efficiency of the generator motor, it is preferable to suppress the execution of the auxiliary drive operation.

[0007] In view of the above, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technique for suppressing the reduction in power generation efficiency in a generator motor that may occur in order to mitigate torque pulsation in an internal combustion engine.

[0008] This disclosure provides a control device for a generator-motor connected to an internal combustion engine. The control device includes: a estimation unit that estimates an estimated value of torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, i.e., an estimated torque pulsation; and a control unit that controls the generator-motor to reduce generated power and suppress a decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated in the estimated torque pulsation.

[0009] According to the control device of this disclosure, when a negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine as estimated by the estimation unit, the control unit controls the generator motor to reduce the generated power and suppress the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine. Here, reducing the generated power includes reducing the generated power during generator operation and stopping generator operation; in either case, the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine can be suppressed, thereby helping to alleviate the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine. When a negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, drive-assisted operation that reduces the generator motor's efficiency is not always performed; by reducing the generated power, the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine can also be mitigated. As a result, the reduction in generator motor efficiency that may occur in order to mitigate the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine can be suppressed. Furthermore, this disclosure can also be provided as a generator device or moving body including an internal combustion engine, a generator motor, and a control device for the aforementioned generator motor. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings are described below.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system equipped with a generator motor according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the generator motor of the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a power generation control block diagram.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the power generation control process executed in the ECU.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the relationship between the torque and speed of an internal combustion engine.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of crank angle / torque ripple information.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram when the power generation reduction mode is executed.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram when the driver-assisted mode is executed. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (Implementation Method)

[0020] exist Figure 1The example shown is an on-board system 40 that uses the control device of the generator-motor of the first embodiment. The on-board system 40 includes an engine (ENG) 41, a generator-motor (MG) 42, an inverter (INV) 43, a secondary battery (BAT) 44, and a control unit (ECU) 50. The ENG 41 is, for example, a four-stroke engine driven in the four strokes of intake, compression, expansion, and exhaust.

[0021] Figure 2 An example of a generator motor used in the MG 42 is shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the generator motor 10 is fixed to the wall 11 of the engine cylinder of the vehicle's internal combustion engine (engine) via a housing 16 and mounted on a shaft 12. The generator motor 10 is connected to the internal combustion engine of the vehicle or the like and is driven by it.

[0022] The generator motor 10 includes a stator 20, a stator support 22, a rotor 30, and a rotor support 33. The housing 16 is fixed to the wall 11 of the engine cylinder by bolts 17 and 18. The generator motor 10 is housed within the space enclosed by the wall 11 and the housing 16. The stator support 22 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing 16, i.e., the surface opposite to the wall 11. The stator 20 is fixed to the stator support 22 by bolts 25 and 26.

[0023] Shaft 12 is a rotating shaft that rotates around shaft AX, and is the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine or a shaft connected to it. Shaft 12 passes through wall 11 and is fixed to end 13, which is disposed inside housing 16. Rotor support 33 is rigidly connected to and fixed to end 13 by bolts 14 and 15. Rotor 30 is rigidly connected to and fixed to rotor support 33 by bolts 31 and 32. Furthermore, rigid connection means that they are connected to each other as a single, integrated unit, like a rigid body. Through rotor support 33, shaft 12 and rotor 30 are fixed to each other by rigid connection, and rotor 30 rotates in conjunction with shaft 12. This rigid connection suppresses swaying between components and reduces noise (swaying sound) caused by swaying.

[0024] The stator 20 is disposed inside the rotor 30. The shaft AX is also the central axis of the stator 20. The stator 20 and rotor 30 are arranged in a ring around the shaft AX, and the generator motor 10 is a rotating motor centered on the shaft AX. The generator motor 10 is a permanent magnet type generator motor, with the stator 20 including coils 21 and permanent magnets (not shown) included on or inside the surface of the rotor 30. The generator motor 10 functions as a motor (more specifically, a PM motor) that rotates the rotor 30 by energizing the coils 21, thereby driving the shaft 12 to rotate. In addition, the generator motor 10 functions as a generator by driving the rotor 30 to rotate using the shaft 12 and inducing current in the coils 21.

[0025] In addition, a permanent magnet type generator motor is illustrated and described as generator motor 10, but it is not limited to this and may also be an induction type.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, ENG 41 and MG 42 are connected in such a way that shaft 12 and rotor 30 are fixed and linked together. During the combustion stroke of ENG 41, the combustion torque is transmitted to the crankshaft, which drives rotor 30 to rotate via shaft 12. The torque variation transmitted to rotor 30 via shaft 12 generates an induced current and can generate electricity. Furthermore, the torque generated in the four strokes of ENG 41 varies according to the reciprocating mass inertia of the piston, losses during intake and exhaust, etc. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, ENG 41 and MG 42 connect the shaft 12 and the rotor 30 to each other without passing through a flywheel, gears, or dampers.

[0027] INV 43 has the function of converting the power supplied from BAT 44 from DC to AC and supplying it to MG 42, and also has the function of converting the power generated in MG 42 from AC to DC and supplying it to BAT 44.

[0028] ECU 50 is a control device that controls ENG 41, MG 42, INV 43, and BAT 44, and includes a microcomputer consisting of a CPU and various memory units. MG 42 is a generator-motor connected to ENG 41, which is an internal combustion engine, and ECU 50 has the function of controlling MG 42, which is a generator-motor.

[0029] The ECU 50 includes a storage unit 51, an estimation unit 52, and a control unit 53. The storage unit 51 stores torque pulsations, representing the change in torque Te relative to the crank angle CA of ENG 41, as torque pulsation information, corresponding to the rotational speed Ng and torque Tg of MG 42. With the rotational speed Ng and torque Tg of MG 42 mapped as parameters, the torque pulsations representing the relationship between the crank angle CA of ENG 41 and torque Te are stored for each combination of parameters. Based on the rotational speed Ng and torque Tg, the mapped torque pulsations can be read, and the torque pulsations of ENG 41 can be estimated.

[0030] The estimation unit 52 estimates the estimated torque pulsation, which is the estimated value of the torque pulsation of ENG 41. More specifically, the estimation unit 52 reads the torque pulsation of ENG 41 from the mapping of torque pulsation information stored in the storage unit 51 based on the generating torque command Tgc and the target speed Ngr of MG 42. Then, the read torque pulsation of ENG 41 is estimated as the estimated value of the torque pulsation of ENG 41. In addition, in this specification, the estimated value of the torque pulsation of ENG 41 is sometimes referred to as the estimated torque pulsation. Furthermore, for the torque of ENG 41, the torque in its rotational direction is called the positive torque, and the torque in the direction that hinders rotation is called the negative torque. The positive torque and the negative torque are torques in opposite directions.

[0031] The control unit 53 performs drive control of MG 42 based on the estimated torque pulsation estimated by the estimation unit 52. In the range where the torque value in the estimated torque pulsation is estimated to be positive or zero, the control unit 53 drives MG 42 as a generator. On the other hand, in the range where the torque value in the estimated torque pulsation is estimated to be negative, the control unit 53 controls MG 42 in a manner that reduces the generated power and suppresses the decrease in the speed of ENG 41. More specifically, the control unit 53 reduces the generated power in MG 42 and suppresses the decrease in the speed of ENG 41 by selectively executing any one of reducing the generated power and driving MG 42 as a generator, stopping the drive of MG 42, and driving MG 42 as a motor.

[0032] Based on the state of each structure included in the vehicle system 40, the control unit 53 selects one of the following as the operation mode: power generation operation under low power generation, operation stoppage, or drive-assisted operation that assists the drive of ENG 41 by acting as an electric motor drive, and controls MG 42 according to the selected operation mode. By reducing power generation, drive-assisted operation can more effectively mitigate negative torque by acting as an electric motor drive when power generation is stopped. On the other hand, the power generation efficiency of MG 42 may decrease.

[0033] The control unit 53 may, for example, be configured to select the operating mode based on the magnitude of the rotational variation of ENG 41. Specifically, for example, if the rotational variation of ENG 41 is large, the control unit 53 assumes that the torque ripple is large, and therefore prioritizes mitigating the negative torque in ENG 41, and effectively suppresses the decrease in the speed of ENG 41 by driving auxiliary operation. On the other hand, if the rotational variation of ENG 41 is small, the control unit 53 assumes that the torque ripple is small, and therefore prioritizes achieving the power generation efficiency of MG 42, and suppresses the decrease in the speed of ENG 41 by power generation operation or operation stoppage under low power generation, and does not perform drive auxiliary operation.

[0034] The control unit 53 may, for example, be configured to perform drive-assisted operation when the rotational variation of ENG 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be set, for example, based on a preliminary investigation of the relationship between rotational variation and torque pulsation in ENG 41 through experiments or simulations. Furthermore, the control unit 53 may be configured to change the drive-assisted amount of MG 42 according to the torque variation of ENG 41 during drive-assisted operation. Additionally, the control unit 53 may be configured to control MG 42 by setting the generator torque command to a constant value when MG 42 is used as a generator for power generation operation.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a control block diagram of MG 42, illustrating the case where MG 42 is a three-phase AC generator motor. ECU 50 includes a pulse estimation unit 201, a range setting unit 202, a range determination unit 203, a vector control unit 204, an inverter 205 that controls MG 42, and a speed calculation unit 206 that calculates the speed of MG 42.

[0036] The pulsation estimation unit 201 estimates the estimated torque pulsation of ENG 41. The crank angle CA of ENG 41, the generating torque command Tgc of MG 42, and the target speed Ngr are input to the pulsation estimation unit 201. Based on the mapping stored as torque pulsation information, the pulsation estimation unit 201 estimates the torque pulsation of ENG 41 read from the input generating torque command Tgc and target speed Ngr as the estimated torque pulsation. The pulsation estimation unit 201 has the following functions: Figure 1 The function of the presumption section 52 in the middle.

[0037] The interval setting unit 202 sets the interval with a torque value of zero or higher in the estimated torque pulsation estimated in the pulsation estimation unit 201 as the normal power generation interval for controlling MG 42 during normal power generation operation without reducing the generated power. In addition, the interval with a negative torque value in the estimated torque pulsation is set as the power generation reduction interval for reducing the generated power in MG 42 and suppressing the decrease in the rotational speed of ENG 41.

[0038] The interval determination unit 203 rewrites the generation torque command Tgc for each interval set in the interval setting unit 202 as needed. The generation torque command Tgc and deviation dTg are input to the interval determination unit 203. The deviation dTg is calculated using a PI feedback method based on the target speed Ngr and speed Ng of MG 42 input to the PI control unit 207. The interval determination unit 203 rewrites the input generation torque command Tgc for the generation reduction interval and outputs it to the vector control unit 204. Specifically, based on the rotational variation of ENG 41, it is rewritten to a generation torque command value smaller than the generation torque command Tgc, zero, or a drive torque command value. In this embodiment, the target speed and actual speed of ENG 41 are equal to the target speed Ngr and actual speed Ng of MG 42. Therefore, as the rotational variation of ENG 41, the absolute value of the difference between the target speed Ngr and speed Ng of MG 42 (|Ng-Ngr|) can be used. The actual speed Ng and target speed Ngr of MG 42, calculated by the speed calculation unit 206, are input to the interval determination unit 203 via the PI control unit 207.

[0039] Information related to each interval set in the interval setting unit 202 and information related to the generator torque command set in the interval determination unit 203 are output to the vector control unit 204. Additionally, the detected values ​​iu and iw of the current flowing through the motor windings of phases U and W are input to the vector control unit 204. The vector control unit 204 sets the three-phase voltage commands (U-phase voltage command Vu, V-phase voltage command Vv, and W-phase voltage command Vw) for PWM control by executing known vector control. The inverter 205 is a known inverter circuit that regulates the current flowing through the stator windings of each phase of the MG 42. The inverter 205 is, for example, a full-bridge circuit having the same number of upper and lower arms as the number of phases of the MG 42, and each arm is provided with a switch (e.g., a semiconductor switching element). Based on the three-phase voltage commands Vu, Vv, and Vw calculated by the vector control unit 204, the switching control of INV 205 is executed. The interval setting unit 202, the interval determination unit 203, the vector control unit 204, and the inverter 205 all function as the control unit 53.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a flowchart representing the control processing of the generator motor executed in ECU 50. Figure 4 The process shown is repeated at a predetermined interval. Additionally, Figure 4 The flowchart shown illustrates the state of charge in BAT 44 when it is neither too low nor too high, and the state of charge in BAT 44 when it is low, compared to... Figure 4Regardless of the control processing shown, MG 42 can always operate in power generation mode. Conversely, it can always be stopped when BAT 44 is fully charged. Furthermore, it can be stopped in situations requiring high-priority interruption processing that could affect vehicle malfunctions. Figure 4 The control process is shown.

[0041] In step S101, the target speed Ngr and the generator torque command Tgc of MG 42 are calculated. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the ECU 50 stores the operating line La, which is a parameter of the ENG 41's speed Ne and torque Te. The operating line La is represented by a line connecting the thermally efficient operating points in the ENG 41, passing near the ENG 41's minimum fuel consumption rate. The operating line La can be obtained in advance through experiments or simulations.

[0042] ECU 50 sets the equal power line Lp to meet the vehicle's required power, and determines the intersection of the action line La and the equal power line Lp as the action point Xp of ENG 41. Then, the value of Ne, which will become the intersection of the action point Xp and the horizontal axis, is set as the target speed Ngr. Additionally, the value of Te, which will become the intersection of the action point Xp and the vertical axis, is set as the generator torque command Tgc. If... Figure 5 The coordinates of the action point Xp shown are (Te1, Ne1), so the target speed Ngr is set to Ne1, and the generator torque command Tgc is set to Te1.

[0043] Furthermore, the equal power line Lp does not necessarily need to be set to provide all the power required by ENG 41; it can be modified based on the energy storage capacity of BAT 44. For example, if the energy storage capacity is large, considering supplementing the power supplied from BAT 44, the equal power line Lp can be set to shift towards the low output side. Conversely, if the energy storage capacity is small, considering supplying power to BAT 44, the equal power line Lp can be set to shift towards the high output side. Then, proceed to step S102.

[0044] In step S102, the estimated torque ripple of ENG 41 is estimated based on the torque ripple information stored in ECU 50. In ECU 50, for each combination of speed Ng and torque Tg of MG 42, the estimated torque ripple of ENG 41 is estimated. Figure 6 The torque ripple information, representing the relationship between crank angle CA and torque Te of ENG 41, is mapped and stored. The torque ripple information uses the speed Ng and torque Tg of MG 42 as parameters and maps them; by specifying the speed Ng and torque Tg, it can be read... Figure 6 The torque pulsation is shown.

[0045] Additionally, torque ripple information can be stored, for example, in... Figure 1The relationship between the crank angle CA and torque Te of ENG 41 measured at each actuation point in the on-board system 40 shown is used. Alternatively, torque ripple information can be calculated using information based on the inertia J of MG 42 connected to ENG 41. Specifically, with a low-inertia structure connected to the crankshaft of ENG 41, the torque ripple of ENG 41 is measured and set as the basic torque ripple Te(base). Then, based on the basic torque ripple Te(base) and the inertia J of MG 42 mounted on ENG 41, the relationship between the crank angle CA and torque Te of ENG 41 at each actuation point can be calculated.

[0046] In step S102, based on the target speed Ngr and generator torque command Tgc of MG 42 calculated in step S101, the torque ripple information stored in ECU 50 is read out. Figure 6 The torque ripple is shown and set as the assumed torque ripple. Then, proceed to step S103.

[0047] In step S103, the interval where the torque Te of ENG 41 is negative is extracted from the read estimated torque pulsation. Specifically, the interval where the torque Te of ENG 41 is negative is extracted. Figure 6 The interval where Te < 0 is selected. Then, for the extracted interval where Te < 0, the auxiliary torque Tga of MG 42 is calculated. The auxiliary torque Tga can be calculated as the anti-phase torque of the torque Te of ENG 41 in the interval where Te < 0. In step S103, the interval where the auxiliary torque Tga is positive is further set as the power generation reduction interval, which reduces the power generated in MG 42 and suppresses the speed reduction of ENG 41. The interval where the auxiliary torque Tga is below zero is set as the normal power generation interval. In addition, the normal power generation interval and the power generation reduction interval are divided based on the crank angle CA of ENG 41. Then, proceed to step S104.

[0048] In steps S104 to S106, based on the magnitude of the rotational variation of ENG 41, the operating mode within the power generation reduction range set in step S103 is selected. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the rotational variation of ENG 41 is equal to the rotational variation of MG 42. Therefore, the operating mode is selected based on the comparison of the absolute value of the difference between the rotational speed Ng and the target rotational speed Ngr (|Ng-Ngr|) and the specified threshold X.

[0049] In step S104, it is determined whether the rotational variation (|Ng-Ngr|) exceeds a predetermined threshold X. If it does, (if |Ng-Ngr| > X), proceed to step S105, select the power generation reduction mode, and end the process. If it does not, (if |Ng-Ngr| ≤ X), proceed to step S106, select the drive assist mode, and end the process. Furthermore, the threshold X can be set, for example, to a value that the user of MG 42 can perceive as the degree of rotational variation of ENG 41 (e.g., around 300 rpm).

[0050] In the power generation reduction mode shown in step S105, the power generation of MG 42 is reduced within the power generation reduction range set in step S103. Specifically, MG 42 is operated or stopped with a torque lower than the power generation torque command Tgc. Therefore, compared to the case where power is generated by the power generation torque command Tgc, the power generation of MG 42 can be reduced and the decrease in the rotational speed of ENG41 can be suppressed. In the normal power generation range, MG 42 is operated based on the power generation torque command Tgc.

[0051] Figure 7 The timing diagram, shown on the same timeline, illustrates the timing of stopping MG 42 during the power generation reduction interval in power generation reduction mode. Figure 7 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the crank angle of ENG 41, and the vertical axis, starting from the top, sequentially represents the torque value based on the estimated torque ripple of ENG41, the operating state of MG 42, and the target torque value of MG 42. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the torque Te of ENG 41 in the range where Te ≥ 0 corresponds to the normal power generation range of MG 42. The target torque Tgr is set to the power generation torque command Tgc, and the power generation operation of MG 42 is executed (Tgr = Tgc). The range where Te < 0 corresponds to the power generation reduction range of MG 42, and the operation of MG 42 is stopped (Tgr = 0). In the power generation reduction range, by controlling the power generation of MG 42 to zero, the decrease in the speed of ENG 41 caused by power generation operation can be suppressed, thus mitigating the torque pulsation of ENG 41.

[0052] Furthermore, in power generation reduction mode, when reducing the power generation of MG 42 and performing power generation operation within the power generation reduction range, the target torque Tgr of MG 42 can be appropriately set to a value smaller than the power generation torque command Tgc. For example, the target torque Tgr can also be set to half of the power generation torque command Tgc (Tgr = Tgc / 2). Alternatively, the target torque Tgr can be set to a smaller value so that the greater the rotational variation of ENG 41, the smaller the power generation of MG 42.

[0053] In the drive-assist mode shown in step S106, within the power generation reduction range set in step S103, MG42 is driven as a motor, and drive-assist operation is performed to assist the drive of ENG41. By eliminating the reduction in ENG41 speed caused by power generation operation, and by driving MG42 as a motor to impart positive torque to ENG41, the reduction in ENG41 speed can be more effectively suppressed. In the normal power generation range, MG42 is operated based on the power generation torque command Tgc.

[0054] Figure 8 Timing diagrams for drive-assisted modes are represented using the same timeline. Figure 8 In the middle, the horizontal and vertical axes are parallel to each other. Figure 7 Since they are the same, the explanation is omitted. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the torque Te of ENG 41 in the range where Te ≥ 0 corresponds to the normal power generation range of MG 42. The target torque Tgr is set to the power generation torque command Tgc, and MG 42 performs power generation operation. The range where Te < 0 corresponds to the power generation reduction range of MG 42, and MG 42 performs drive-assist operation. In the power generation reduction range, the target torque Tgr of MG 42 changes in opposite phase to the torque of ENG 41 to counteract the change in the torque Te of ENG 41. Figure 8 As shown, in drive-assist mode, by performing drive-assist operation of MG 42 in the power generation reduction range, the torque pulsation of ENG 41 can be mitigated more effectively compared to the power generation reduction mode. Furthermore, by changing the target torque Tgr of MG 42 in opposite phase to the torque of ENG 41, the drive-assist amount of MG 42 can be used to mitigate the negative torque of ENG 41 under approximately non-over- or under-sufficient conditions.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, during normal power generation, the target torque Tgr of MG 42 is set to a constant value to operate MG 42. This control suppresses abrupt changes in generated power and simplifies the estimation of generated power and the calculation of the charge on BAT 44. Alternatively, the target torque Tgr of MG 42 can be varied rather than kept constant even during normal power generation.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment, as shown in step S102, the ECU 50 estimates the estimated torque pulsation of ENG 41 via the estimation unit 52. Then, as shown in steps S103 to S106, the control unit 53 sets this range as the power generation reduction range of MG 42 when a negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of ENG 41, and controls MG 42 in a manner that reduces the generated power and suppresses the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine. More specifically, in the power generation reduction range, MG 42 is operated by either a power generation reduction mode that reduces the generated power or sets the generated power to zero, or a drive assist mode that assists in driving as an electric motor. When the rotational variation of ENG 41 is large, the drive assist mode is selected to effectively suppress the decrease in the speed of ENG 41; on the other hand, when the rotational variation of ENG 41 is small, the power generation reduction mode is selected to suppress the decrease in the power generation efficiency of MG 42 while suppressing the decrease in the speed of ENG 41. Therefore, compared with the technique of always performing drive-assisted operation when negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of ENG 41, the reduction in power generation efficiency of MG 42 caused by drive-assisted operation can be suppressed.

[0057] According to ECU 50, while suppressing the reduction in power generation efficiency in MG 42, the torque pulsation of ENG 41 can be mitigated, thus helping to simplify the structure for vibration reduction and noise reduction in the generator motor. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the generator motor 10 does not include a flywheel. The ECU 50 is particularly suitable as a control device for a generator motor connected to an internal combustion engine via a shaft 12 and a rotor 30 without a flywheel, gears, or a damper. Alternatively, the ECU 50 can also be used as a control device for a generator motor connected to an internal combustion engine via a flywheel, gears, and a damper, thus suppressing the reduction in power generation efficiency of the MG 42 caused by torque pulsation in the ENG 41.

[0058] According to the above embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.

[0059] The ECU 50 functions as a control device for a generator-motor (MG 42) connected to an internal combustion engine (ENG 41), and includes a estimation unit 52 and a control unit 53. The estimation unit 52 estimates a predetermined torque pulsation, which is a predetermined value for the torque pulsation of ENG 41. The control unit 53 controls MG 42 in a manner that reduces the generated power and suppresses the decrease in the speed of ENG 41 when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of ENG 41 is generated in the predetermined torque pulsation of ENG 41. According to the ECU 50, when the predetermined torque pulsation of ENG 41 is negative, drive assistance operation is not always performed; it is not performed when drive assistance operation is not needed, and by reducing the generated power, the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine can be mitigated. As a result, the decrease in the power generation efficiency of MG 42 caused by mitigating the torque pulsation of ENG 41 can be suppressed.

[0060] The ECU 50 includes a storage unit 51, which stores torque pulsations, representing changes in the crank angle of the ENG 41 relative to the rotational speed and torque of the MG 42, as torque pulsation information. Then, the estimation unit 52 estimates the torque pulsations of the ENG 41 read from the torque pulsation information based on the generator torque command Tgc and the target rotational speed Ngr of the MG 42 as the estimated torque pulsations of the ENG 41.

[0061] When the rotational variation of ENG 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of ENG 41, the control unit 53 executes drive assistance operation, making MG 42 drive the electric motor, to assist the drive of ENG. When the rotational variation of ENG 41 is large, selecting the drive assistance mode can effectively suppress the decrease in the speed of ENG 41, thus effectively suppressing torque pulsation.

[0062] During drive-assisted operation, the control unit 53 adjusts the drive-assisted amount of MG 42 according to the change in torque of ENG 41. This appropriately mitigates negative torque pulsations in ENG 41 and suppresses the reduction in power generation efficiency in MG 42.

[0063] When the control unit 53 operates the MG 42 as a generator, it sets the generator torque command to a constant value to control the MG 42. By suppressing abrupt changes in the generated power, it can simplify the calculation of the generated power and the calculation of the charging amount of the BAT 44.

[0064] The control unit and methods described in this disclosure can also be implemented using a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor and memory, the processor being programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in the computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and methods described in this disclosure can be implemented using a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor composed of one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and methods described in this disclosure can be implemented using one or more dedicated computers, which are constituted by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program can also be stored on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium as instructions executable by a computer.

[0065] This disclosure applies to control devices for generator motors or control devices for generator motors installed in devices driven by power supplied from secondary batteries, such as control devices for generator motors installed in mobile bodies such as vehicles (including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, small cars, two-wheeled vehicles, and tractor-trailers), aircraft, and ships, or in stationary generators.

[0066] The aforementioned mobile body generates propulsion by consuming supplied electricity through a generator-motor, which drives the motor, thereby enabling movement. Furthermore, the aforementioned stationary generator can charge the electricity generated by the generator-motor to a secondary battery, or add the generated electricity to the discharged electricity from the secondary battery and supply it via a power conversion device that converts the power from direct current to alternating current, thus functioning as a commercial power source. This application provides a power generation device or mobile body that includes the internal combustion engine, generator-motor, and generator-motor control device described in the above embodiments.

[0067] While this disclosure has been described based on embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and equivalent variations. Furthermore, various combinations and arrangements, and consequently, combinations and arrangements containing only one element, or more than or less thereof, also fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A control device for a generator-motor, which is a control device for a generator-motor connected to an internal combustion engine, comprising: The estimation unit estimates the estimated value of the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, namely the estimated torque pulsation. as well as The control unit controls the generator motor to suppress the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated during the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine. When the control unit generates a positive torque in the opposite direction to the negative torque during the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, it drives the generator motor as a generator based on the generator torque command of the generator motor. If the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, and negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, drive-assisted operation is performed to drive the generator motor as an electric motor to assist the drive of the internal combustion engine. When the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to be below the threshold, and the negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is driven as a generator in a manner that reduces the generated power compared to the case where the generator motor is driven as a generator based on the generator torque command of the generator motor.

2. A control device for a generator-motor, which is a control device for a generator-motor connected to an internal combustion engine, comprising: The estimation unit estimates the estimated value of the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, namely the estimated torque pulsation. as well as The control unit controls the generator motor to suppress the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated during the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine. When the control unit determines that the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine exceeds a predetermined threshold, and when negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, it executes drive assistance operation to make the generator motor drive the internal combustion engine as an electric motor. When the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to be below the threshold, and the negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the drive of the generator motor is stopped, so that the power generated by the generator motor is zero.

3. The control device for a generator-motor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The system includes a storage unit that, corresponding to the rotational speed and torque of the generator motor, stores torque pulsations, representing changes in torque relative to the crank angle of the internal combustion engine, as torque pulsation information. The estimation unit estimates the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, which is read from the torque pulsation information based on the generator torque command and target speed of the generator motor, as the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine.

4. The control device for a generator-motor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the drive-assisted operation, the control unit adjusts the drive-assisted amount of the generator motor according to the change in torque of the internal combustion engine.

5. The control device for a generator-motor as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the generator motor is operated as a generator, the control unit sets the generator torque to a constant value to control the generator motor.

6. A power generation device, comprising an internal combustion engine, a generator motor connected to the internal combustion engine, and a control device for the generator motor as described in claim 1 or 2.

7. A mobile body comprising an internal combustion engine, a generator motor connected to the internal combustion engine, and a control device for the generator motor as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

8. A program product applied to a control device for a generator-motor connected to an internal combustion engine, causing the control device to perform the following processing: The estimation process involves estimating an estimated value for the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, namely, the estimated torque pulsation; and In the control process, when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated during the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is controlled to suppress the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine. In the control process, When a positive torque opposite to the negative torque is generated during the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is driven as a generator based on the generator torque command of the generator motor. If the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, and negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, drive-assisted operation is performed to drive the generator motor as an electric motor to assist the drive of the internal combustion engine. When the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to be below the threshold, and the negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is driven as a generator in a manner that reduces the generated power compared to the case where the generator motor is driven as a generator based on the generator torque command of the generator motor.

9. A program product applied to a control device for a generator-motor connected to an internal combustion engine, causing the control device to perform the following processing: The estimation process involves estimating an estimated value for the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, namely, the estimated torque pulsation; and In the control process, when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated during the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is controlled to suppress the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine. In the control process, If the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, and negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, drive-assisted operation is performed to drive the generator motor as an electric motor to assist the drive of the internal combustion engine. When the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to be below the threshold, and the negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the drive of the generator motor is stopped, so that the power generated by the generator motor is zero.

10. A control method for a generator-motor, wherein the generator-motor is connected to an internal combustion engine, comprising: The estimation step involves estimating the estimated value of the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, i.e., the estimated torque pulsation. as well as In the control step, when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is controlled to suppress the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine. In the control step, When a positive torque opposite to the negative torque is generated during the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is driven as a generator based on the generator torque command of the generator motor. If the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, and negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, drive-assisted operation is performed to drive the generator motor as an electric motor to assist the drive of the internal combustion engine. When the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to be below the threshold, and the negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is driven as a generator in a manner that reduces the generated power compared to the case where the generator motor is driven as a generator based on the generator torque command of the generator motor.

11. A control method for a generator-motor, wherein the generator-motor is connected to an internal combustion engine, comprising: The estimation step involves estimating the estimated value of the torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, i.e., the estimated torque pulsation. as well as In the control step, when a negative torque that hinders the rotation of the internal combustion engine is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the generator motor is controlled to suppress the decrease in the speed of the internal combustion engine. In the control step, If the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, and negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, drive-assisted operation is performed to drive the generator motor as an electric motor to assist the drive of the internal combustion engine. When the rotational variation of the internal combustion engine is determined to be below the threshold, and the negative torque is generated in the estimated torque pulsation of the internal combustion engine, the drive of the generator motor is stopped, so that the power generated by the generator motor is zero.

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