Hybrid Vehicle Battery Power Control for Torque and Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid electric vehicles achieve power performance through full-load engine control, leading to suboptimal air-fuel ratios and deteriorated fuel efficiency, especially when drivers request acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling high voltage battery power consumption that determines a driver's requested torque and calculates an available power amount by reducing electronic component power usage, allowing for variable power distribution to the engine and drive motor to optimize torque and air-fuel ratios, thereby improving acceleration performance and maintaining fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If full-load control of the engine is used to ensure power performance, then acceleration capability is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal air-fuel ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution between the engine and drive motor based on real-time driving conditions and battery state. The controller varies the operating mode between engine-only, motor-only, and hybrid modes, enabling the engine to operate at optimal points while meeting acceleration demands through motor assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the air-fuel ratio and power distribution based on driving conditions. The controller modifies engine operating parameters and battery power output to optimize both power performance and fuel efficiency across different driving scenarios.
2Power
If maximum torque from engine and motor is used to satisfy driver acceleration request, then acceleration performance is improved, but power consumption of high voltage battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial power from the battery through the drive motor only when necessary to supplement engine torque, rather than using maximum motor power continuously. The controller calculates the exact amount of motor torque needed to meet driver requests, reducing unnecessary battery consumption while maintaining acceleration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive motor serves multiple functions: it supplements engine torque during acceleration, operates as a generator during regenerative braking, and can provide torque independently in electric-only mode. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet diverse driving requirements while optimizing battery usage.
3Force
If engine operates at full-load for power performance, then torque output is sufficient, but air-fuel ratio becomes suboptimal leading to fuel efficiency deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the torque production function between the engine and drive motor. The engine operates in its optimal efficiency range producing base torque, while the drive motor provides additional torque when needed. This segmentation allows the engine to avoid full-load operation and maintain optimal air-fuel ratio while still meeting total torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive motor acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between engine optimal operating points and driver torque requests. Instead of forcing the engine to operate at suboptimal full-load points, the motor mediates by providing supplemental torque, allowing the engine to maintain optimal air-fuel ratio and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment system for controlling power consumption of a high voltage battery includes a driver's requested torque determiner configured to determine a driver's intention to accelerate a vehicle and to calculate a driver's requested torque, an available power amount calculator configured to calculate an available power amount of a difference between an existing power consumption amount of electronic components configured to use the high voltage battery as a power source and a minimum power consumption amount of the electronic components required by a vehicle system, and a driving controller configured to variably control power applied to the electronic components and power applied to a drive motor of the vehicle upon determining the driver's intention to accelerate the vehicle.