Method for operating a hybrid drive in a motor vehicle with a regenerative catalyst

Abstract

Method for operating a hybrid drive (37) in a motor vehicle (30), wherein the hybrid drive (37) comprises at least one internal combustion engine (31) and at least one electric machine (36), and wherein the motor vehicle (30) has an exhaust catalyst (35) capable of regeneration during operation of the motor vehicle (30), wherein during the regeneration (56) of the exhaust catalyst (35) the electric machine (36) is operated in such a way that an additional load is generated, characterized in that the electric machine (36) is operated in a power reserve operating mode for at least a limited period of time (55) before the start (52) of the regeneration (56) in such a way that a temperature (11, 12, 13) of the electric machine (36) and / or of an element controlling the electric machine (36) does not exceed a predefinable temperature value (9) at the start (52) of the regeneration (56).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a hybrid drive in a motor vehicle, wherein the hybrid drive comprises at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, and wherein the motor vehicle has an exhaust gas catalyst capable of regeneration during operation of the motor vehicle.

[0002] The invention further relates to a control and / or regulating device for a hybrid drive in a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program for a control and / or regulating device for a hybrid drive in a motor vehicle.

[0003] To improve the efficiency of vehicle operation, hybrid drives are used in series production cars, employing a combustion engine alongside predominantly electric motors. This reduces fossil fuel consumption and increases performance at low engine speeds.

[0004] To reduce the pollutants emitted by the combustion engine, which is part of the hybrid drive system, so-called NOx storage catalysts are used, particularly in diesel engines. These storage catalysts must be regenerated or burned off periodically during vehicle operation, a process that chemically converts the NOx bound within the catalyst. This is only possible if the exhaust gas reaches a minimum temperature. This minimum temperature is not typically reached at low loads, meaning that regeneration or burning off of the storage catalyst is not possible at all operating points of the combustion engine.

[0005] Particularly in diesel engines, the electric motor can be used to improve the regeneration of the storage catalyst by shifting the diesel engine's operating point towards higher loads. The resulting excess mechanical power from the diesel engine is converted into electrical power by the hybrid drive's electric motor. The electrical energy generated in this process can be temporarily stored in a battery (recuperation). During subsequent vehicle operation, the stored energy can then be converted back into motor torque and, for example, assist the combustion engine during acceleration (boosting).

[0006] The recuperation and generation of electrical power in the electric motor results in increased energy loss, which puts a thermal load on the motor. If the motor's temperature reaches a critical level, it must be throttled back to prevent damage. Since the electric motor can then no longer convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, the regeneration process of the storage catalyst must be aborted at certain operating points. This not only worsens emissions and increases fuel consumption but also damages the storage catalyst if it cannot be cleaned due to the aborted regeneration.

[0007] Document DE 10 2009 038 110 A1 discloses a method for operating a hybrid vehicle. The exhaust aftertreatment system, including a catalytic converter, is managed using digital map information that provides a predicted vehicle operating condition. A predicted exhaust gas temperature profile is determined based on the map data. The catalytic converter operation is then controlled according to this profile. In particular, during the regeneration of components such as a NOx storage catalyst, which can be affected by low exhaust gas temperatures in lean-burn operation, the electric motor is controlled to generate additional load and increase the exhaust gas temperature.

[0008] Document DE 10 2013 110 346 A1 describes a method for optimizing the operation of a powertrain in a hybrid or electric vehicle. To maximize efficiency and increase range, the temperature of electrical components such as the electric motor and power electronics is taken into account. Based on a planned route, and incorporating data such as traffic conditions and topography, the expected load and resulting component temperatures are predicted. The speed profile is then adjusted to ensure that component temperatures remain within their optimal ranges and overheating is avoided.

[0009] From DE 11 2010 001 450 T5 it is known to keep the battery temperature within its limits when energy is recuperated. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is to ensure the regeneration of the storage catalyst with the support of the electric machine, whereby the maximum permissible operating temperature of the electric machine must not be exceeded during the regeneration process.

[0011] The problem is solved by a method of the type mentioned above in that, during the regeneration of the exhaust gas catalyst or the NOx storage catalyst, the electric machine is operated in such a way that it generates an additional load and that the electric machine is operated, at least for a limited period of time before the start of regeneration, in an operating mode that allows for a power reserve, such that a temperature of the electric machine and / or a temperature of an element controlling the electric machine does not exceed a predeterminable temperature value at the start of regeneration.

[0012] According to the invention, a thermal power reserve for the electric machine is proposed. This thermal power reserve prevents the electric machine from reaching its maximum permissible operating temperature during the regeneration of the storage catalyst, thus enabling complete regeneration without interruption. A power reserve, therefore, refers to measures that ensure the electric machine can always operate at the necessary power during catalyst regeneration to allow the catalyst to regenerate even at operating points of the internal combustion engine that would otherwise be unfavorable for successful regeneration, without the electric machine exceeding a maximum permissible temperature.The electric machine is therefore operated, at least temporarily, in such a way that the electrical and thus thermal power required for subsequent regeneration is maintained in such a way that the electric machine can be operated during regeneration without exceeding the maximum permissible temperature.

[0013] Preferably, the power reserve is achieved by operating the electric machine at a lower maximum power and / or a lower average power during the period before the start of regeneration. Consequently, the maximum power is limited so that the electric machine does not reach a temperature high enough to exceed the maximum permissible temperature during the regeneration of the storage catalyst.

[0014] The thermal power reserve, or the specified temperature that must not be exceeded within a defined time period before regeneration, is preferably determined based on the operating state of the exhaust gas catalyst, in particular the NOx storage load of the catalyst. This makes it possible to keep the power reserve as low as possible and thus ensure maximum benefit from the hybrid drive during vehicle operation.

[0015] Preferably, the specified temperature value is determined alternatively or additionally based on the anticipated start of catalyst regeneration, which can be determined, among other things, via the current storage charge of the catalyst. Further operating states of the internal combustion engine and the driving conditions of the vehicle can be taken into account when determining the temperature value. These operating and driving conditions describe, for example, the current power demand, load, speed, and / or other parameters that influence the operation and thus the temperature of the electric motor or the time until the next catalyst regeneration.

[0016] The length of the predefinable time period during which the electric machine is operated with the power reserve is determined depending on at least one of the following quantities: - An operating condition of the exhaust gas catalyst, in particular a NOx storage loading of the catalyst; - A likely start to the regeneration of the exhaust catalyst; - An operating state of the internal combustion engine; - A driving condition of the motor vehicle; - A temperature of the electric machine and / or a temperature of an element controlling the electric machine.

[0017] These parameters are suitable for determining the specified duration and, in particular, for keeping this duration as short as possible. For example, if the temperature of the electric machine is low, it may be possible to provide the power reserve only for a very short duration or possibly even for a duration that takes on the value zero.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, if the power demand on the hybrid drive increases during regeneration, the electric machine is operated in such a way that the amount of mechanical energy converted into electrical energy is reduced. For example, if the driver demands more power during regeneration, the system shifts to an operating point where the electric machine has to generate less or no additional load. The increased power demand can thus be met by reducing the load generated by the electric machine. The same can be achieved in reverse.For example, if the power demand is reduced during regeneration, the electric machine can be operated in such a way that the amount of mechanical energy converted into electrical energy is increased, thereby increasing the load generated by the electric machine. This is, of course, only possible as long as the maximum temperature is not exceeded.

[0019] Preferably, the electric machine and the internal combustion engine are controlled in such a way that, from the start of the regeneration, the operating state of the internal combustion engine is in a range specified for the regeneration of the exhaust gas catalyst.

[0020] The problem is also solved by a control and / or regulating device for a hybrid drive in that it is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a computer program for a control and / or regulating device for a hybrid drive in that it is programmed to carry out the method according to the invention when it runs on the control and / or regulating device.

[0021] Further features, applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained with reference to the drawings. The features may be important for the invention both individually and in various combinations, without this being explicitly stated again. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a diagram from which operating points of the internal combustion engine can be read, and in which the area for regenerating the storage catalyst is shown; Fig. 2 a schematic graphical representation showing the temperature increase of the electric machine during regeneration as well as the course of regeneration with and without the use of an electric machine; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of possible temperature profiles of the electric machine before and during regeneration; Fig. 4 a schematic block diagram with input and output variables that can be used to carry out the method according to the invention; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows schematic operating ranges of an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, which are stored, for example, in a characteristic map. From the in Fig. Operating points can be read from the operating ranges shown in Figure 1. The x-axis shows the rotational speed and the y-axis the torque or load. The in Fig. The grey area shown in 1 and the hatched area in 3 are operating ranges in which regeneration of the exhaust gas catalyst without the use of the electric machine is not feasible because the conditions, in particular with regard to the temperature of the exhaust gases, are not met there.

[0023] By using the electric motor, which is part of a hybrid drive, the operating point of the diesel engine is shifted towards higher loads by converting the excess mechanical power of the diesel engine into electrical power. This electrical energy is then temporarily stored, for example, in a battery. This shift in the operating point creates an additional range that can be used to regenerate the storage catalyst. This is the area in Fig. 1. Area shown in grey. 2. In the hatched area 3, regeneration is still not possible despite the use of the electric machine.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a typical NOx regeneration process with electric drive (reference 6) and without electric drive (reference 5). The x-axis represents time, and the lower part of the y-axis shows the NOx loading of the catalyst. Without electric assistance, regeneration is aborted if the required engine power drops to a range unsuitable for regeneration during the process, which occurs, for example, at time 7. This range unsuitable for regeneration corresponds to the gray shaded area 2 in Figure 2. Fig. 1. However, with the use of the electric machine, the engine's power can be maintained at a higher level suitable for regeneration, as indicated by the line marked with reference numeral 6 in Fig. 2 is shown. Once the NOx load has dropped to zero, recuperation with the electric motor can be stopped and the engine power reduced, which in Fig. 2 at time 8 is the case.

[0025] In Fig. Furthermore, in the upper section of Figure 2, the operating temperature of the electric machine is schematically represented as a line labeled with reference numeral 4. Here, the y-axis represents the operating temperature and the x-axis represents time. As can be seen from this diagram in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the operating temperature of the electric machine increases during the recuperation or generation of electrical power due to its own power loss.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 3 shows further possible temperature profiles of the electric machine. In the upper sub-diagram labeled I, the electric machine is operated without the method according to the invention. Regeneration begins at time 52. The temperature of the electric machine reaches the maximum value of 10, which is why the regeneration of the catalyst must be stopped at time 53.

[0027] Diagram II below shows an example of the temperature profile of the electric machine according to one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. At time 50, the electric machine is controlled in such a way as to generate a power reserve that can be used for subsequent regeneration. For example, the electrical power converted or generated by the electric machine up to that point is reduced, so that the temperature of the electric machine decreases. At time 52, the regeneration phase 56 begins. Now the electric machine is controlled in such a way that it generates an additional load, thereby generating electrical energy and increasing the temperature. At time 54, the regeneration phase 56 is completed and the electric machine is operated again in a normal mode, so that, for example, the temperature 12 decreases again somewhat.

[0028] In the third sub-diagram III, another possible temperature profile 13 is shown. At time 50, the electric machine is operated in such a way that a power reserve is maintained. At time 51, an increased load or power demand is placed on the electric machine, which would cause the temperature to rise, as shown by the dashed line 14. However, due to the control of the electric machine to create the power reserve during period 55, this demand is terminated or reduced at a certain temperature value 9. This ensures that the temperature 13 does not exceed the maximum temperature 10 even at the end 54 of the regeneration phase 56.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows a block diagram schematically illustrating a control unit 20. Blocks 21 to 28 show possible input and output values. In block 21, the temperature of the electric machine is recorded and transmitted to the control unit 20. In block 22, the current NOx load is transmitted to the control unit 20 or calculated in a known manner from other quantities known to the control unit 20. Block 23 represents a current torque or load. Block 24 summarizes further parameters required for determining the current operating point of the internal combustion engine. Block 25 represents input variables that can be used to calculate the remaining time until catalyst regeneration and preferably include characteristic parameters of the catalyst system and the internal combustion engine.

[0030] Control unit 20 determines, among other things, the point in time for the start of the power reserve. Depending on this, a function block 26 controls the electric motor in such a way that the power reserve is maintained, for example by limiting the power output of the electric motor. A function block 27 enables the control of the internal combustion engine and other components during the regeneration of the exhaust catalyst in a known manner. In a function block 28, the electric motor is controlled to generate an additional load during catalyst regeneration, thereby shifting the operating point of the internal combustion engine into a range in which catalyst regeneration is possible.

[0031] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention. The method begins in step 100, in which the temperature of the electric machine is monitored. In step 101, the time until regeneration is carried out is calculated and monitored. In step 102, it is checked whether time 50 for controlling the electric machine to achieve the power reserve 9 has been reached. Time 50 is determined, for example, depending on the current loading of the catalyst. A current operating point of the internal combustion engine and the current temperature of the electric machine can, of course, also be used to shorten the duration 55 during which the electric machine is operated with power reserve. If a power reserve 9 is not yet in place, the method branches back to step 100.Otherwise, the maximum and / or average power of the electric machine will be reduced in a step of 103.

[0032] In step 104, it is checked whether the catalyst regeneration should be carried out. If not, the electric machine continues to operate at limited power. Otherwise, in step 105, the regeneration is carried out, whereby the electric machine is operated in such a way that the operating point of the internal combustion engine is shifted into a range more favorable for the catalyst cleaning process. In step 106, the regeneration phase 56 ends, and the electric machine is again available to fully support the internal combustion engine.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 shows some schematic components arranged for carrying out the method according to the invention, which are arranged in a vehicle 30. An internal combustion engine 31, for example a diesel engine, is connected to wheels 33 via a mechanical connection 32. The internal combustion engine 31 has an exhaust system 34 in which an exhaust catalyst 35, in particular a NOx storage catalyst, is arranged.

[0034] The vehicle 30 also includes an electric machine 36 which, together with the internal combustion engine 31, forms a hybrid drive 37 that can be implemented in a variety of known ways. For example, the electric drive 36 acts on one driven axle of the vehicle and the internal combustion engine acts on another driven axle of the vehicle, or the electric machine 36 can be connected to the internal combustion engine in another known way.

[0035] The internal combustion engine 31 and the electric machine 36 are connected via signal lines 38, which may, for example, comprise a bus system, to a control unit 39, which is configured for controlling and / or regulating the hybrid drive and thus the electric machine 36 as well as the internal combustion engine 31. The control unit 39 has a memory area 40 in which a computer program 41 is stored, programmed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0036] The in Fig.The vehicle shown in Figure 6 enables the electric machine 36 to not exceed the maximum permissible temperature 10 during NOx regeneration. This is achieved by operating the electric machine 36 in a reduced-power mode for a defined period 55 before regeneration 56, so that the electric machine 36 has a correspondingly lower operating temperature 12, 13 at the beginning 52 of the regeneration phase 56. Since the regeneration duration 56 and thus the temperature increase 12, 13 of the electric machine 36 depends on the NOx load, the thermal power reserve is determined as a function of the current NOx load. With a low NOx load on the catalyst 35, the power reserve of the electric machine 36 should be correspondingly low. With a full load on the catalyst 35, the power reserve should be at its maximum.

[0037] Up to a certain temperature 9, the electric machine 36 can be operated at full capacity. As the storage catalyst 35 becomes increasingly loaded, the temperature 12, 13 of the electric machine 36 must have a greater difference from the maximum permissible temperature 10. With an empty storage catalyst 35, the electric machine 36 can be operated up to its maximum temperature. The temperature difference between the temperature 9 at which the electric machine 36 can be operated at full capacity and the maximum permissible temperature 10 corresponds to the maximum power reserve that must be maintained at maximum NOx loading.

[0038] For the implementation of the method according to the invention, different temperatures 12, 13 of the electric machine 36 can be used, or the temperatures 12, 13 can be determined in different ways. The temperature 12, 13 can, for example, be a component temperature of the electric machine 36, such as the temperature of the stator winding. However, the temperature 12, 13 can also be a temperature of an electronic module that controls the electric machine 36 and is integrated into or flanged to the electric machine. The temperature 12, 13 can, for example, be measured using a temperature sensor and / or calculated using a temperature model.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a hybrid drive (37) in a motor vehicle (30), wherein the hybrid drive (37) comprises at least one internal combustion engine (31) and at least one electric machine (36), and wherein the motor vehicle (30) has an exhaust catalyst (35) capable of regeneration during operation of the motor vehicle (30), wherein during the regeneration (56) of the exhaust catalyst (35) the electric machine (36) is operated in such a way as to generate an additional load, characterized by , that the electric machine (36) is operated in an operating mode enabling a power reserve for at least a limited period of time (55) before the start (52) of the regeneration (56) in such a way that a temperature (11, 12, 13) of the electric machine (36) and / or of an element controlling the electric machine (36) does not exceed a predeterminable temperature value (9) at the start (52) of the regeneration (56). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the exhaust catalyst (35) is a NOx storage catalyst. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the power reserve is achieved by operating the electric machine (36) with lower maximum and / or average power. [4] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the predefinable temperature value (9) is determined as a function of at least one of the following quantities: - an operating state of the exhaust catalyst (35), in particular a NOx storage loading of the exhaust catalyst (35); - a likely start (52) of a regeneration (56) of the exhaust catalyst (35); - an operating state of the internal combustion engine (31); - a driving condition of the motor vehicle (30). [5] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the predefinable time duration (55) is determined depending on at least one of the following quantities: - an operating state of the exhaust catalyst (35), in particular a NOx storage loading of the exhaust catalyst (35); - a likely start (52) of a regeneration (56) of the exhaust catalyst (35); - an operating state of the internal combustion engine (31); - a driving condition of the motor vehicle (30); - a temperature (11, 12, 13) of the electrical machine (36) and / or a temperature (11, 12, 13) of an element controlling the electrical machine. [6] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that if the power demand on the hybrid drive (37) increases during regeneration (56), the electric machine (36) is operated in such a way that the amount of mechanical energy converted into electrical energy is reduced and / or if the power demand on the hybrid drive (37) decreases during regeneration (56), the electric machine (36) is operated in such a way that the amount of mechanical energy converted into electrical energy is increased. [7] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electric machine (36) and the internal combustion engine (31) are controlled in such a way that from the beginning (52) of the regeneration (56) the operating state of the internal combustion engine (31) is in a range specified for the regeneration of the exhaust gas catalyst (1, 2). [8] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that during the regeneration (56) the temperature (11, 12, 13) of the electric machine (36) and / or of the element controlling the electric machine (36) is monitored and the regeneration (56) is aborted if the temperature (11, 12, 13) of the electric machine (36) or of the element controlling the electric machine exceeds a predefinable maximum value (10). [9] Control unit (39) for controlling and / or regulating a hybrid drive (37), characterized by that the control unit (39) is designed to perform a method according to at least one of the preceding claims. [10] Computer program (41) that can be stored in a memory area (40) of a control unit (39) for a hybrid drive, characterized by , that the computer program (41) is programmed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when it is executed on the control unit (39).

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