Autonomous Motor Control During Communication Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid electric vehicles, a loss of communication between the electric motor system and the vehicle network can lead to shutdown, as the motor cannot charge the traction battery, resulting in depletion and eventual power down of the 12V bus, causing the vehicle to become inoperable until communication is restored.
Innovation Solution
The motor controller operates the inverter to maintain a setpoint voltage and estimates motor torque based on traction battery current and voltage, allowing the engine to produce sufficient torque to meet driver demand and compensate for electric motor load, even without communication from the vehicle system controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the motor controller operates the inverter to maintain setpoint voltage and estimates motor torque during communication loss, then vehicle operation duration is extended, but system reliability deteriorates due to loss of communication with vehicle network
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller is pre-programmed with autonomous motor control algorithms that automatically activate upon detecting communication loss. The controller maintains inverter operation at predetermined voltage setpoints and estimates motor torque using available sensor data, allowing the vehicle to continue operating without real-time communication with the vehicle network.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller independently manages motor control functions during communication loss events without external intervention. It self-monitors communication status, automatically transitions to autonomous control mode, and uses local sensor inputs to maintain vehicle operation, effectively serving itself during the communication failure.
2Loss of time
If the vehicle operates in limited operation strategy mode during communication loss, then loss of time is reduced by avoiding shutdown, but productivity decreases due to limited operational capability
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller implements partial operation by maintaining essential motor control functions at reduced capability. Instead of complete vehicle shutdown, the system operates with limited torque estimation and predetermined voltage control, providing sufficient functionality to reach safe locations or service centers while acknowledging reduced performance compared to normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes, responsive to absence of a motor controller receiving communication packets for a predetermined time during a drive cycle, operating by the controller (i) an inverter to output voltage at a setpoint defined by an inverter terminal voltage at expiration of the predetermined time, and (ii) a motor coupled with the inverter to apply torque according to a change in the voltage.