Charge Mode ECO for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plug-in hybrid vehicle charge modes lead to increased fuel consumption and inefficient driving due to driver-controlled maximum charging speeds, which can result in improper use and reduced efficiency, especially in city traffic, and inefficient battery charging when almost full.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'Charge Mode ECO' that only charges the traction battery when the vehicle is outside the city and at high speeds, decoupling the combustion engine during electric driving, and maintaining the battery state of charge above a threshold to prevent pure electric driving on highways, thereby controlling the charging and driving modes based on predetermined speed and charge thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the charge mode charges the traction battery at maximum charging speed, then the charging speed is improved, but the fuel consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the charging speed variable rather than constant. The control device adjusts the charging speed based on real-time vehicle speed and acceleration demands, matching the charging rate to actual power needs. This dynamic adjustment prevents unnecessary high-speed charging when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining adequate charging speed when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of charging speed based on vehicle operating conditions. By monitoring vehicle speed and acceleration demands, the system adjusts the charging speed parameter dynamically - using higher charging speeds when the vehicle is moving fast and requires more power, and lower charging speeds when the vehicle is slow or stationary, thus optimizing the balance between charging speed and fuel consumption.
2Ease of operation
If the driver operates the charge mode freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the environmental protection deteriorates due to improper use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the control device continuously monitors vehicle speed, acceleration demands, and battery state of charge. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts charging operations to prevent improper use - such as avoiding high-speed charging in city traffic where the vehicle will soon need the stored energy for acceleration. This feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation while preventing environmentally harmful charging patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically managing the charging process without requiring driver intervention. The control device independently determines optimal charging speeds and timing based on real-time vehicle conditions, eliminating the need for the driver to make decisions about when and how to charge. This self-service approach prevents improper use while maintaining full driver control over the vehicle's operation.
3Quantity of substance
If the battery is charged to full state of charge, then the energy availability is improved, but the battery life deteriorates due to high charge levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by charging the battery to only the necessary level rather than always charging to 100%. The control device calculates the optimal state of charge based on current vehicle speed and acceleration demands, charging to a level that provides sufficient energy for upcoming high-power needs without unnecessarily overcharging. This partial charging approach maintains adequate energy availability while reducing the time the battery spends at high charge levels, thereby extending battery life.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the vehicle operates in purely electric drive mode at high speed, then the emissions are reduced, but the fuel consumption increases due to inefficient battery discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the battery at optimal times and speeds before high-power electric driving is needed. The control device monitors vehicle conditions and accelerates charging in advance when the vehicle is moving at higher speeds, ensuring sufficient energy is stored before city driving segments begin. This preliminary charging reduces the need for high-speed electric driving in the city, thereby reducing emissions while avoiding the inefficiency of charging during low-speed urban operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for optimizing fuel consumption includes using a charge mode of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.