Active Grill Shutters for Hybrid Vehicle Braking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid and electric vehicles face challenges in optimizing aerodynamic drag for energy efficiency and regenerative braking, as existing systems do not effectively manage airflow across heat exchangers during different braking modes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active grill shutters controlled by a programmed controller that transitions between open and closed positions based on regenerative braking and friction braking modes, optimizing airflow and drag to enhance energy recovery and vehicle efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active grill shutters are opened to increase airflow across heat exchangers, then cooling efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the grill shutters movable and controllable, transitioning between open and closed positions based on real-time braking mode detection. The controller dynamically adjusts shutter position in response to regenerative braking signals, optimizing the balance between cooling requirements and aerodynamic drag minimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the shutters from static to variable position. By adjusting the shutter opening degree as a controllable parameter based on braking conditions, the system optimizes airflow characteristics to reduce drag during regenerative braking while maintaining adequate cooling when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If active grill shutters are closed to decrease aerodynamic drag, then energy efficiency is improved, but airflow across heat exchangers is reduced compromising cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts shutter position based on real-time detection of braking mode. During regenerative braking, shutters transition to closed position to minimize drag, while the control system monitors thermal conditions to ensure cooling requirements are met, switching to open position only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements feedback by monitoring braking mode signals and thermal conditions, then adjusting shutter position accordingly. The controller receives input from braking system status and heat exchanger temperature sensors, creating a closed-loop control that balances drag reduction with cooling requirements.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is utilized without friction braking, then energy recovery is enhanced, but braking performance may be insufficient without additional airflow management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of insufficient braking performance into benefit by using the shutter position control to optimize airflow characteristics. During regenerative braking, the closed shutter position creates aerodynamic drag that supplements braking force, while the controlled airflow still provides adequate cooling to maintain system reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for improved energy efficiency by managing aerodynamic drag dynamically, enhancing regenerative braking efficiency and reducing the load on friction brakes, while maintaining optimal airflow across heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
The active grill shutters are configured to open to increase a drag on the vehicle and to close to decrease the drag on the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an electric machine that is configured to propel the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes active grill shutters and a controller. The active grill shutters are configured to open to increase a drag on the vehicle and to close to decrease the drag on the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to regenerative braking via an electric machine and an absence of friction braking, transition or maintain the active grill shutters to or in a closed position. The controller is further programmed to, in response to friction braking, transition or maintain the active grill shutters to or in the open position.