Dual-Engine Series Hybrid Control for Sporty Road Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Series hybrid cars suffer from unsporty road performance and inefficient energy use when maintaining constant speed due to their narrow operating range and unpleasant acoustic sensations, limiting their appeal for drivers seeking engaging driving experiences.
Innovation Solution
A series hybrid car design with two independent internal combustion engines and electric generators, each connected to a reversible electric motor, an energy storage device, and a control unit that optimizes engine operation for maximum efficiency and sound variation, allowing for sporty performance and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a series hybrid setup with a single combustion engine is used, then energy efficiency is improved during continuous speed changes, but road performance and driver engagement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single combustion engine into two separate combustion engines, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain energy efficiency by operating engines at optimal points while improving road performance through enhanced power delivery and acoustic characteristics that engage drivers.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a series hybrid setup with narrow operating range is used, then maximum energy efficiency is achieved, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the powertrain into two independent combustion engines, the system can adapt to various driving conditions more effectively. Each engine can be optimized for specific operating ranges, and the control system can selectively engage engines based on instantaneous power demands, thus maintaining maximum energy efficiency across diverse driving scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the dual-engine system, allowing real-time adjustment of engine operation based on driving conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to maintain optimal efficiency points while responding flexibly to varying power demands, unlike single-engine systems with fixed operating characteristics.
3Loss of energy
If a series hybrid setup is used, then regenerative braking energy is captured, but acoustic sensations and driver engagement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-engine configuration allows the system to capture regenerative braking energy while maintaining pleasant acoustic characteristics. During braking, one or both engines can be operated to generate desirable sounds, and the regenerative energy is captured by the electrical system, thus eliminating the harmful acoustic effect while preserving energy recovery.
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
The design achieves sporty road performance and improved energy efficiency by optimizing engine operation and sound generation, enhancing driver engagement and reducing emissions and mechanical wear.
Implementation Method 1
two internal combustion engines 8, which are mechanically independent of one another, i.e. not connected to one another via the drive shafts 11
Implementation Method 2
two generation assemblies 7, each comprising an internal combustion engine 8 and an electric generator 9
Implementation Method 3
two reversible electric motors 6 configured to rotate the two rear drive wheels 4 or to rotate the two rear drive wheels 4 in reverse direction
Implementation Method 4
an electrical energy storage device 10, in which both the electrical energy generated by the electric motor during regenerative braking and the electrical energy generated as an excess
Data Source
AI summary
A car having: at least one electric motor connected to the two drive wheels; a first generation assembly having a first electric generator and a first internal combustion engine, which is mechanically connected only to the electric generator and, therefore, is mechanically independent of the drive wheels; a second generation assembly having a second electric generator, which is mechanically independent of the first electric generator, and a second internal combustion engine, which is mechanically connected only to the electric generator and, therefore, is mechanically independent of the drive wheels; and two interconnection ducts, which establish a hydraulic communication between a first lubrication circuit of the first internal combustion engine and a second lubrication circuit of the second internal combustion engine, so that part of the lubricating oil flowing in the first lubrication circuit can flow to the second lubrication circuit and vice versa.