Engine preheating control system, method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses an engine preheating control system, method and device, and relates to the technical field of engine control, and a vehicle control unit sends a preheating starting signal to an engine heating module when a whole vehicle has power generation preheating requirements. The engine heating module converts the preheating starting signal into a heating activation signal and transmits the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. The engine control unit determines the heating time according to the current water temperature of the engine, controls the engine water heating part to work and controls the engine water heating part to work according to the heating time, the water temperature of the engine and the state information of the external heating machine. And under the condition that the heat engine state information is a heat engine completion signal or the water temperature of the engine reaches a set temperature threshold value, the vehicle control unit starts the engine. Through the coordination control of the vehicle control unit, the engine heating module and the engine control unit, the heating mode of the engine water heating component is utilized, the heating efficiency is improved, the cost is reduced, and the driving comfort is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of engine control technology, and in particular to an engine preheating control system, method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional range-extended heavy-duty trucks, such as methanol range-extended heavy-duty trucks and diesel range-extended heavy-duty trucks, use the range extender to pull the engine in reverse when the engine is warm. The crankshaft moves mechanically to raise the engine water temperature to the engine start-up water temperature so that the engine can start normally.

[0003] Methanol-based or diesel-based range extenders rely on the range extender to reverse and perform work to warm up the engine. If the temperature is low, gasoline fuel is also needed for warming up. However, the current warm-up efficiency of diesel engines is only 35%-45%, resulting in significant fuel loss during warm-up and increased noise, leading to poor vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness performance.

[0004] It is evident that improving the efficiency of heat engines and reducing their costs are problems that need to be addressed by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an engine preheating control system, method, and apparatus that can solve the problems of low engine efficiency and high engine cost.

[0006] This application provides an engine preheating control system, including a vehicle controller, an engine heating module, and an engine control unit; The vehicle controller communicates with the engine heating module to send a preheating start signal to the engine heating module when the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation; to receive engine status information from the engine control unit; and to start the engine when the engine status information is a preheating completion signal or the engine coolant temperature reaches the set temperature threshold. The engine heating module communicates with the engine control unit to convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal upon receiving a preheating start signal, and then transmits the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. The engine control unit is used to determine the heating time based on the current engine coolant temperature when a heating activation signal is received, control the engine coolant heating components to work, and determine the external heating engine status information based on the heating time, engine coolant temperature, and external heating engine status information.

[0007] On one hand, the engine control unit is used to start timing when the engine water heating component is turned on; when the timing time is less than the heating time and the engine water temperature is less than the set temperature threshold, it feeds back the heat engine execution signal to the engine heating module; when the engine water temperature reaches the set temperature threshold or the timing time reaches the heating time, it feeds back the heat engine completion signal to the engine heating module.

[0008] On the one hand, the engine heating module is used to terminate the preheating operation when it is fault-free, the engine coolant temperature is greater than the set temperature threshold, and the engine status information sent by the engine control unit is a signal that the engine is ready for heating.

[0009] On one hand, the vehicle controller is used to monitor the engine status and the power generation system status when a preheating start signal is sent to the engine heating module; and to start the engine when the engine status is in the start state, the power generation system status is in the power-on state, the generator control unit feedback status is in the ready state, and the engine status information is the engine completion signal or the engine coolant temperature reaches the set temperature threshold.

[0010] On the one hand, the engine heating module is used to send a heating system fault signal and fault information to the vehicle controller in the event of a fault in itself; The vehicle controller is used to monitor the engine status and generator system status when it receives a heating system fault signal and fault information; when the engine status is started, the generator system status is powered on, and the generator control unit feedback status is ready, it feeds back fault information to the user interface; when it receives a forced drag enable signal, it enters the forced drag mode.

[0011] On one hand, the vehicle controller communicates with the engine control unit and the generator control unit respectively. When a forced towing enable signal is received, it sends an auxiliary shutdown command to the engine control unit; sends a speed control command to the generator control unit; and sends a torque control switching command to the generator control unit when the engine coolant temperature is greater than the set temperature threshold. The generator control unit is used to switch to speed control mode when it receives a speed control command, and control the generator to reverse and drive the engine according to the speed carried by the speed control command; and to switch to torque control mode when it receives a torque control switching command. The engine control unit is used to control the engine to a stopped state upon receiving an auxiliary stop command.

[0012] On the one hand, the vehicle controller is used to send a preheating termination signal to the engine heating module when the engine is not in the start state, the power generation system is not in the power-on state, or the feedback state of the generator control unit is not in the ready state. The engine heating module is used to terminate the preheating operation upon receiving a preheating termination signal.

[0013] On the one hand, the engine heating module is used to send a heating system fault signal to the vehicle controller when it is fault-free, the engine control unit feeds back the engine status information as a warm-up completion signal, and the engine coolant temperature is lower than the set temperature threshold; and to terminate the preheating operation when it receives a preheating termination signal. The vehicle controller is used to send a preheating termination signal back to the engine heating module when it receives a heating system fault signal from the engine heating module and the received engine status information is an engine completion signal.

[0014] This application also provides an engine preheating control method, applicable to a vehicle controller, the method including: When the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation, a preheating start signal is sent to the engine heating module so that the engine heating module can convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal and transmit the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. Receives engine status information from the engine control unit; the engine status information is determined by the engine control unit based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature. Start the engine when the engine status information indicates that the engine is ready or when the engine coolant temperature reaches the set temperature threshold.

[0015] This application also provides an engine preheating control device, applicable to a vehicle controller, the device including a preheating unit, a receiving unit and a termination unit; The preheating unit is used to send a preheating start signal to the engine heating module when the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation, so that the engine heating module can convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal and transmit the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. The receiving unit is used to receive engine status information transmitted from the engine control unit; wherein the engine status information is determined by the engine control unit based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature. The termination unit is used to start the engine when the engine status information is a warm-up completion signal or the engine coolant temperature reaches a set temperature threshold.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the vehicle controller communicates with the engine heating module to send a preheating start signal to the engine heating module when the vehicle requires preheating for power generation. The engine heating module communicates with the engine control unit to convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal upon receiving it, and then transmits the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. The engine control unit, upon receiving the heating activation signal, determines the heating time based on the current engine coolant temperature, controls the engine water heating components to operate, and externally displays engine status information based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature. The vehicle controller receives the engine status information from the engine control unit; when the engine status information indicates engine completion or the engine coolant temperature reaches a set temperature threshold, the engine is started. In this technical solution, when the engine coolant temperature is low, the vehicle controller determines that the vehicle needs preheating for power generation and sends a preheating start signal to the engine heating module. The engine heating module then sends a heating activation signal to the engine control unit based on its current status. The engine control unit calculates the heating time and simultaneously activates the engine water heating component to heat itself. Meanwhile, the vehicle controller continuously checks the engine's thermal status information. Once the set temperature is reached, the engine starts normally. Through coordinated control between the vehicle controller, engine heating module, and engine control unit, and utilizing the engine water heating component, heating efficiency is improved, costs are reduced, and driving comfort is enhanced. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an engine preheating control system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A timing diagram for engine preheating control provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an engine preheating control method applicable to a vehicle controller, provided as an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an engine preheating control device for a vehicle controller, provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0020] The terms “comprising” and “having” in this application’s specification and the foregoing drawings, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may include steps or units not listed.

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Next, we will describe in detail an engine preheating control system provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an engine preheating control system provided in an embodiment of this application. The system includes a vehicle control unit (VCU) 11, an engine heating module (EHM) 12, and an engine control unit (ECU) 13. The vehicle controller 11 communicates with the engine heating module 12 to send a preheating start signal (VCU_WarmEnable==1) to the engine heating module 12 when the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation.

[0023] The engine heating module 12 communicates with the engine control unit 13 to convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal (PMS_AirHeatSw==1) upon receiving a preheating start signal, and transmits the heating activation signal to the engine control unit 13.

[0024] The engine control unit 13 is used to determine the heating time based on the current engine water temperature when a heating activation signal is received, control the engine water heating component to work, and determine the external heating motor status information (EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl) based on the heating time and engine water temperature.

[0025] Engine water heating components may include positive temperature coefficient heaters (PTCs), also known as water heating PTCs.

[0026] The vehicle controller 11 receives engine status information from the engine control unit 13; when the engine status information is a warm-up signal or the engine coolant temperature reaches the set temperature threshold, the engine is started.

[0027] When the vehicle needs preheating for the range extender generator, the VCU sends an enable signal VCU_WarmEnable==1 to the EHM, and at the same time monitors whether the heat engine status information (EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl) is set to 1. If it is set to 1, the above process continues to be executed. If it is set to 0, the VCU_WarmEnable==0 is enabled to the EHM, and preheating is stopped.

[0028] Initially, EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl is set to 0. When the ECU receives a heating request, it will perform a self-check and activate. If heating is required, it will switch from the initial state of 0 to 1, and at the same time calculate a heating time inside the engine. After the heating time is reached, it will be set to 0, i.e., EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl == 0.

[0029] The VCU enables the EHM with VCU_WarmEnable==1. After receiving VCU_WarmEnable==1, the EHM determines that there is a heating requirement and forwards this signal as PMS_AirHeatSw==1 and passes it to the ECU, thereby activating the ECU_PTC.

[0030] When the ECU receives the heating activation signal (PMS_AirHeatSw==1), it determines the required heating time based on the current water temperature. If heating is needed at this time, it sets EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==1, and the engine cannot be started during this period. After heating is complete, EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==0, indicating that the engine can be started normally.

[0031] In practical applications, the PMS_AirHeatSw signal can always be 1. When it is always 1, heating will be automatically triggered when the engine coolant temperature is lower than a certain value.

[0032] When PMS_AirHeatSw==1, EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==1 and the heater is heating, the timer starts. After the set heating time and temperature threshold are reached, heating is complete, at which point EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==0.

[0033] In this embodiment, the engine control unit 13 can start timing when controlling the engine water heating component to start working; if the timing time is less than the heating time and the engine water temperature is less than the set temperature threshold, it can send a heat engine execution signal (EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==1) to the engine heating module 12; if the engine water temperature reaches the set temperature threshold or the timing time reaches the heating time, it can send a heat engine completion signal (EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==0) to the engine heating module 12.

[0034] The vehicle controller 11 is used to monitor the engine status and the power generation system status when a preheating start signal is sent to the engine heating module 12; and to start the engine when the engine status is in the start state (EngEnable==1), the power generation system status is in the power-on state (RCU_System_GenElecAllow==1), the generator control unit feedback status is in the ready state (GCU_VCU_State==2), and the engine status information is the engine completion signal or the engine coolant temperature (ECU_VCU_EngineCoolLiqTemp) reaches the set temperature threshold.

[0035] For ease of description, we can use 'a' to represent the set temperature threshold. The value of 'a' can be determined based on the engine preheating requirements, and is not specifically limited here.

[0036] For example, when the VCU has externally enabled VCU_WarmEnable=1, the VCU simultaneously monitors the engine status EngEnable==1, and the generator system is fault-free RCU_System_GenElecAllow==1 and the generator control unit (GCU) feedback status is GCU_VCU_State==2. In this state, if the engine coolant temperature ECU_VCU_EngineCoolLiqTemp > a degree, or EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==0, then the VCU considers that the engine PTC has completed warm-up and the engine can be started normally.

[0037] The engine heating module 12 is used to terminate the preheating operation when it is fault-free, the engine coolant temperature is greater than the set temperature threshold, and the engine status information sent by the engine control unit 13 is a warm-up completion signal.

[0038] After ECU_PTC is activated, the ECU determines the engine warm-up status based on its own warm-up conditions and outputs the engine status information EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl. The EHM (Engine Heat Management Unit) then determines whether warm-up is complete based on the engine coolant temperature, the ECU's warm-up status information EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl, and its own fault status. If the EHM itself is fault-free and the engine coolant temperature ECU_VCU_EngineCoolLiqTemp > a degrees Celsius, and the ECU's warm-up status information EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl == 0, then warm-up is considered complete.

[0039] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the vehicle controller communicates with the engine heating module to send a preheating start signal to the engine heating module when the vehicle requires preheating for power generation. The engine heating module communicates with the engine control unit to convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal upon receiving it, and then transmits the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. The engine control unit, upon receiving the heating activation signal, determines the heating time based on the current engine coolant temperature, controls the engine water heating components to operate, and externally displays engine status information based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature. The vehicle controller receives the engine status information from the engine control unit; when the engine status information indicates engine completion or the engine coolant temperature reaches a set temperature threshold, the engine is started. In this technical solution, when the engine coolant temperature is low, the vehicle controller determines that the vehicle needs preheating for power generation and sends a preheating start signal to the engine heating module. The engine heating module then sends a heating activation signal to the engine control unit based on its current status. The engine control unit calculates the heating time and simultaneously activates the engine water heating component to heat itself. Meanwhile, the vehicle controller continuously checks the engine's thermal status information. Once the set temperature is reached, the engine starts normally. Through coordinated control between the vehicle controller, engine heating module, and engine control unit, and utilizing the engine water heating component, heating efficiency is improved, costs are reduced, and driving comfort is enhanced.

[0040] In practical applications, there may be situations where the engine heating module 12 itself malfunctions. The engine heating module 12 is used to send a heating system fault signal (VCU_ECU_HeatingErr==1) and fault information to the vehicle controller 11 in the event of a fault.

[0041] The vehicle controller 11 is used to monitor the engine status and the generator system status when it receives a heating system fault signal and fault information; when the engine status is in the start state, the generator system status is in the power-on state and the generator control unit feedback status is in the ready state, it feeds back fault information to the user interface; when it receives a forced drag enable signal (Eng_Force_Dragging==1), it enters the forced drag mode.

[0042] For example, if the EHM itself is faulty, it will send an external heating system fault signal, namely VCU_ECU_HeatingErr==1. At the same time, the EHM will send out fault information in the form of a fault code. Based on this fault information, the outside world will decide to perform forced towing or other methods.

[0043] After receiving the data, the VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) sets VCU_ECU_HeatingErr==1, monitors the engine status (Eng_Enable==1), and ensures the generator system is fault-free (RCU_System_GenElecAllow==1) and the GCU feedback status is GCU_VCU_State==2). Under these conditions, the instrument panel sends fault information to the driver, who then determines whether to perform forced towing based on the current situation. If forced towing is enabled (Eng_Force_Dragging==1), the system enters forced towing mode. Otherwise, the fault source is determined externally, and after repair, the normal warm-up process is initiated.

[0044] The vehicle controller 11 communicates with both the engine control unit 13 and the generator control unit. In the forced towing mode, the vehicle controller 11 sends an auxiliary shutdown command (VCU_ECU_EngAuxiliaryShutdown==1) to the engine control unit 13; sends a speed control command to the generator control unit; and sends a torque control switching command (VCU_GCU_ISGModeControlCmd==2) to the generator control unit when the engine coolant temperature exceeds the set temperature threshold.

[0045] The generator control unit is used to switch to speed control mode when it receives a speed control command, and control the generator to reverse and drive the engine at the speed carried by the speed control command; and to switch to torque control mode when it receives a torque control switching command.

[0046] The engine control unit 13 is used to control the engine to a stopped state upon receiving an auxiliary stop command.

[0047] Speed ​​control commands can include speed control modes and speed requests carrying speed.

[0048] For example, after entering the forced-drive mode, the VCU sends an auxiliary shutdown command to the ECU, namely VCU_ECU_EngAuxiliaryShutdown==1, to ensure the engine is stopped. Simultaneously, it sends a speed control mode command to the GCU, VCU_GCU_ISGModeControlCmd==1, and a speed request, VCU_ISGTargetSpeed==b, to allow the generator to reverse-drive the engine at a certain speed. Here, 'b' represents the engine speed.

[0049] When the engine coolant temperature ECU_VCU_EngineCoolLiqTemp > a degrees, it is considered that the engine has warmed up and can start normally. At this time, VCU switches GCU to torque control mode VCU_GCU_ISGModeControlCmd==2.

[0050] In practical applications, if the vehicle controller 11 detects that the engine is not in the start state, the power generation system is not in the power-on state, or the generator control unit feedback state is not in the ready state, it indicates that there is no need for engine preheating. At this time, the vehicle controller 11 sends a preheating termination signal to the engine heating module 12. The engine heating module 12 is used to terminate the preheating operation upon receiving the preheating termination signal.

[0051] Besides the aforementioned scenario where the engine heating module 12 itself is faulty, there is also a possibility that the engine heating module 12 itself is not faulty, but the engine coolant temperature remains below the set temperature threshold. That is, if the engine heating module 12 itself is fault-free, the engine control unit 13 provides a warm-up status signal indicating that the engine is warm-up complete, and the engine coolant temperature is below the set temperature threshold, the engine heating module 12 can send a heating system fault signal (VCU_ECU_HeatingErr==1) to the vehicle controller 11; upon receiving a preheating termination signal, it terminates the preheating operation.

[0052] The vehicle controller 11 is used to send a preheating termination signal back to the engine heating module 12 when it receives a heating system fault signal sent by the engine heating module 12 and the received engine status information is an engine completion signal.

[0053] For example, if the EHM itself is fault-free and the EHM monitors the engine coolant temperature ECU_VCU_EngineCoolLiqTemp < a degree, but the ECU feeds back the engine warm-up status information EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==0, and the EHM sends out the signal VCU_ECU_HeatingErr==1 and does not send out EHM fault information, then the VCU receives the engine external enable EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl==0 and enables the EHM VCU_WarmEnable==0, at which point the preheating is terminated.

[0054] Combining the above-described normal engine warm-up procedure, EHM self-test anomaly handling procedure, and EHM self-test fault-free but engine coolant temperature below the set temperature threshold handling procedure, Figure 2 The timing diagram provided in this application embodiment illustrates an engine preheating control process. When the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation, i.e., an engine heat-generating requirement, the VCU sends an enable signal (VCU_WarmEnable==1) to the EHM, and the EHM forwards the enable signal (PMS_AirHeatSw==1) to the ECU. The ECU performs a self-test and sends back an enable signal (EMS_EngPreHeaterCtrl).

[0055] When the ECU feedback enable is set to 0, the EHM determines whether the engine coolant temperature is greater than a; if the engine coolant temperature is not greater than a, the EHM reports a fault and sends VCU_ECU_HeatingErr==1 to the VCU. When the VCU receives VCU_ECU_HeatingErr==1, it controls the engine to terminate when it warms up.

[0056] When the ECU feedback enable is set to 1, the EHM (Engineer Hydraulic Controller) checks for faults. If the EHM itself is fault-free, the VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) checks if the engine coolant temperature is greater than 'a' or if the ECU feedback enable is set to zero. If the engine coolant temperature is greater than 'a' and the ECU feedback enable is set to 0, it indicates the engine has warmed up and can be started normally. If the engine coolant temperature is not less than 'a' or the ECU feedback enable is set to 1, continuous monitoring of engine coolant temperature changes and the ECU feedback enable is required.

[0057] If the EHM itself malfunctions, it determines whether the GCU forced drag condition is met. If the GCU forced drag condition is not met, the engine warms up and terminates. If the forced drag condition is met, forced drag is executed. After entering forced drag mode, the VCU continuously monitors changes in engine coolant temperature and the enable status feedback from the ECU.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the engine coolant temperature is low, the vehicle's VCU determines the engine's warm-up requirement. If a warm-up is needed, it sends an enable signal to the EHM. The EHM then sends an enable signal to the ECU based on its current state. The ECU performs a self-check and sends back an enable signal. Simultaneously, the vehicle's VCU continuously checks the engine's current state. Once the temperature reaches the set threshold, the engine starts normally. Alternative solutions are provided when the EHM malfunctions and cannot warm up properly. If the EHM itself is not faulty, but the engine temperature is below the set threshold, the preheating operation can be terminated. If the EHM itself malfunctions, the operator can assess whether to enter a forced-drive mode. Through coordinated control of the VCU, EHM, and ECU, the engine's heating efficiency is improved, and preheating costs are reduced. Furthermore, the alternative solutions better address malfunction situations.

[0059] Figure 3 A flowchart of an engine preheating control method applicable to a vehicle controller, provided in an embodiment of this application, is included. The method includes: S301: When the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation, a preheating start signal is sent to the engine heating module so that the engine heating module can convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal and transmit the heating activation signal to the engine control unit.

[0060] S302: Receives engine status information from the engine control unit.

[0061] Among them, the hot engine status information is the hot engine status information determined by the engine control unit based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature.

[0062] S303: Start the engine when the engine status information is a warm-up completion signal or the engine coolant temperature reaches the set temperature threshold.

[0063] Figure 3 For a description of the features in the corresponding embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The relevant descriptions of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0064] As can be seen from the above technical solution, when the vehicle requires preheating for power generation, the vehicle controller sends a preheating start signal to the engine heating module. The engine heating module then converts this signal into a heating activation signal and transmits it to the engine control unit. The vehicle controller receives engine status information from the engine control unit. This engine status information is determined by the engine control unit based on heating time and engine coolant temperature. The engine starts when the engine status information indicates engine completion or when the engine coolant temperature reaches a set threshold. In this technical solution, when the engine coolant temperature is low, the vehicle controller determines that the vehicle requires preheating for power generation and sends a preheating start signal to the engine heating module. The engine heating module then sends a heating activation signal to the engine control unit based on its current status. The engine control unit calculates the heating time and simultaneously activates the engine water heating component to heat itself. Meanwhile, the vehicle controller continuously checks the engine status information, and the engine starts normally after the temperature reaches the set value. Through the coordinated control of the vehicle controller, engine heating module, and engine control unit, and utilizing the heating method of the engine water heating component, heating efficiency is improved, costs are reduced, and driving comfort is enhanced.

[0065] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an engine preheating control device for a vehicle controller provided in an embodiment of this application. The device includes a preheating unit 41, a receiving unit 42, and a termination unit 43. The preheating unit 41 is used to send a preheating start signal to the engine heating module when the vehicle has a power generation preheating requirement, so that the engine heating module can convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal and transmit the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. Receiving unit 42 is used to receive engine status information transmitted from the engine control unit; wherein, the engine status information is the engine status information determined by the engine control unit based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature; Termination unit 43 is used to start the engine when the engine status information is a heat engine completion signal or the engine water temperature reaches a set temperature threshold.

[0066] Figure 4 For a description of the features in the corresponding embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The relevant descriptions of the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0067] As can be seen from the above technical solution, when the vehicle requires preheating for power generation, the vehicle controller sends a preheating start signal to the engine heating module. The engine heating module then converts this signal into a heating activation signal and transmits it to the engine control unit. The vehicle controller receives engine status information from the engine control unit. This engine status information is determined by the engine control unit based on heating time and engine coolant temperature. The engine starts when the engine status information indicates engine completion or when the engine coolant temperature reaches a set threshold. In this technical solution, when the engine coolant temperature is low, the vehicle controller determines that the vehicle requires preheating for power generation and sends a preheating start signal to the engine heating module. The engine heating module then sends a heating activation signal to the engine control unit based on its current status. The engine control unit calculates the heating time and simultaneously activates the engine water heating component to heat itself. Meanwhile, the vehicle controller continuously checks the engine status information, and the engine starts normally after the temperature reaches the set value. Through the coordinated control of the vehicle controller, engine heating module, and engine control unit, and utilizing the heating method of the engine water heating component, heating efficiency is improved, costs are reduced, and driving comfort is enhanced.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0069] The above provides a detailed description of an engine preheating control system, method, and apparatus provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only intended to help understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this application without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An engine preheating control system, characterized in that, This includes the vehicle controller, engine heating module, and engine control unit; The vehicle controller communicates with the engine heating module to send a preheating start signal to the engine heating module when the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation; receive engine status information from the engine control unit; and start the engine when the engine status information is a preheating completion signal or the engine coolant temperature reaches a set temperature threshold. The engine heating module communicates with the engine control unit and is used to convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal upon receiving the preheating start signal, and transmit the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. The engine control unit is used to determine the heating time based on the current engine water temperature when it receives the heating activation signal, control the engine water heating component to work, and determine the external heating engine status information based on the heating time, engine water temperature, and external heating engine status information.

2. The engine preheating control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engine control unit is configured to start timing when the engine water heating component is turned on; if the timing time is less than the heating time and the engine water temperature is less than a set temperature threshold, it shall send a heat engine execution signal to the engine heating module; if the engine water temperature reaches the set temperature threshold or the timing time reaches the heating time, it shall send a heat engine completion signal to the engine heating module.

3. The engine preheating control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engine heating module is used to terminate the preheating operation when it is fault-free, the engine coolant temperature is greater than the set temperature threshold, and the engine status information sent by the engine control unit is a heat engine completion signal.

4. The engine preheating control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle controller is used to monitor the engine status and the power generation system status when a preheating start signal is sent to the engine heating module; and to start the engine when the engine status is in the start state, the power generation system status is in the power-on state, the generator control unit feedback status is in the ready state, and the engine status information is the engine completion signal or the engine coolant temperature reaches the set temperature threshold.

5. The engine preheating control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engine heating module is used to send a heating system fault signal and fault information to the vehicle controller in the event of a fault in itself. The vehicle controller is used to monitor the engine status and the generator system status when it receives the heating system fault signal and the fault information; when the engine status is in the start state, the generator system status is in the power-on state and the generator control unit feedback status is in the ready state, it feeds back the fault information to the user interface; and when it receives the forced drag enable signal, it enters the forced drag mode.

6. The engine preheating control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vehicle controller communicates with both the engine control unit and the generator control unit. When a forced towing enable signal is received, the controller sends an auxiliary shutdown command to the engine control unit, a speed control command to the generator control unit, and a torque control switching command to the generator control unit when the engine coolant temperature exceeds a set temperature threshold. The generator control unit is used to switch to speed control mode when receiving the speed control command, and control the generator to reverse and drive the engine according to the speed carried by the speed control command. Upon receiving the torque control switching command, the system switches to torque control mode; The engine control unit is used to control the engine to be in a stopped state upon receiving the auxiliary stop command.

7. The engine preheating control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vehicle controller is used to send a preheating termination signal to the engine heating module when the engine is not in the start state, the power generation system is not in the power-on state, or the generator control unit feedback state is not in the ready state. The engine heating module is used to terminate the preheating operation upon receiving a preheating termination signal.

8. The engine preheating control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engine heating module is used to send a heating system fault signal to the vehicle controller when it is fault-free, the engine control unit provides a warm-up status signal indicating that the engine is warm-up complete, and the engine coolant temperature is below a set temperature threshold; and to terminate the preheating operation upon receiving a preheating termination signal. The vehicle controller is used to send a preheating termination signal back to the engine heating module when it receives a heating system fault signal sent by the engine heating module and the received engine status information is an engine completion signal.

9. An engine preheating control method, characterized in that, Applicable to vehicle controllers, the method includes: When the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation, a preheating start signal is sent to the engine heating module so that the engine heating module can convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal and transmit the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. Receive engine status information transmitted from the engine control unit; wherein the engine status information is determined by the engine control unit based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature; The engine is started when the engine status information indicates that the engine is ready for operation or when the engine coolant temperature reaches the set temperature threshold.

10. An engine preheating control device, characterized in that, Applicable to vehicle controllers, the device includes a preheating unit, a receiving unit, and a termination unit; The preheating unit is used to send a preheating start signal to the engine heating module when the vehicle has a preheating requirement for power generation, so that the engine heating module can convert the preheating start signal into a heating activation signal and transmit the heating activation signal to the engine control unit. The receiving unit is used to receive engine status information sent by the engine control unit; wherein the engine status information is determined by the engine control unit based on the heating time and engine coolant temperature. The termination unit is used to start the engine when the engine status information is a heat engine completion signal or the engine water temperature reaches a set temperature threshold.

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