Auto Start-Stop Cycling Optimization Algorithm
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems with auto stop/auto start functionality face inefficiencies in optimizing engine start/stop cycling frequency, leading to suboptimal fuel efficiency and increased idling times, particularly in hybrid electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an algorithm executed by an onboard controller to optimize engine start/stop cycling frequency by adjusting intervals based on vehicle operating values and creating a hysteresis band around accelerator pedal position and output speed, inhibiting auto stop functionality when values fall within specific thresholds or bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If auto stop/auto start functionality is implemented to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but engine cycling frequency increases leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the auto stop/auto start functionality by modifying the cycling frequency based on real-time vehicle operating conditions. The controller monitors parameters such as vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position, and engine temperature, and adaptively controls engine shutdown duration and restart timing to optimize both fuel efficiency and operational performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key operational parameters including the duration of engine shutdown periods, the thresholds for triggering auto start/auto stop events, and the cycling frequency limits. By adjusting these parameters based on vehicle state, the system resolves the contradiction between maximizing fuel savings and maintaining acceptable engine cycling frequencies.
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine shutdown duration is extended to maximize fuel savings, then fuel efficiency improves, but idling times increase leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments before initiating engine shutdown by evaluating predicted vehicle operating conditions. If conditions suggest imminent acceleration or extended idle periods that would degrade performance, the controller prevents shutdown or reduces its duration in advance, thereby balancing fuel savings with performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors vehicle operating parameters and provides feedback to adjust shutdown duration in real-time. Based on feedback from sensors measuring vehicle speed, accelerator input, and engine state, the system optimizes the length of each shutdown period to maximize fuel efficiency while preventing excessive idling times that would harm performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states in a vehicle having a controller and auto start/auto stop functionality. The method includes detecting an engine state cycling event, measuring a plurality of vehicle operating values, and using the controller to optimize the cycling frequency via at least one of: automatically adjusting an interval between an auto start event and an auto stop event when each of a first set of the vehicle operating values exceeds a corresponding threshold, and temporarily inhibiting the auto start/auto stop functionality when any value in a second set of the vehicle operating values falls outside of a hysteresis band created around the second set. A vehicle includes an engine and a controller having an algorithm for optimizing the cycling frequency between engine on/off states as set forth above.