Dual-Engine Series Hybrid Control for Sound and Driving Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Series hybrid cars suffer from unsporty road performance and inefficient energy use 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 featuring two independent internal combustion engines with reversible electric generators, an electrical energy storage device, and a control unit that optimizes engine operation and sound generation, 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 acoustic characteristics and driving dynamics that engage the driver
2Use 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 acoustic sensations and driver engagement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two independent combustion engines that can operate simultaneously or alternately, creating richer and more engaging acoustic sensations. The independent operation of two engines produces more varied and pleasant sounds compared to a single engine, thereby improving driver engagement while maintaining energy efficiency
3Use of energy by moving object
If the combustion engine is always operated at maximum energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two independent combustion engines that can be operated in various combinations (one engine only, both engines simultaneously, alternating operation) to adapt to different driving conditions. This segmentation provides greater flexibility in maintaining energy efficiency across diverse scenarios while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically selects which engine(s) to operate based on real-time driving conditions, vehicle state, and efficiency considerations. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain maximum energy efficiency when conditions permit while adapting to various driving scenarios, thereby improving both energy efficiency and adaptability
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 solution provides a series hybrid car with sporty road performance and improved energy efficiency across varying driving conditions, enhancing driver engagement and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical energy storage system is normally provided, in which both the electrical energy generated by the electric motor during regenerative braking and the electrical energy generated as an excess (relative to the actual absorption of the electric motor) by the electric generator connected to the combustion engine are stored
Implementation Method 2
the combustion engine is not connected to the drive wheels but is only connected to an electric generator and, therefore, has the sole task of generating electrical energy to power the electric motor
Implementation Method 3
electrical energy to power the electric motor that rotates the drive wheels
Implementation Method 4
a series hybrid setup normally uses a combustion engine (such as a turbine engine)
Data Source
AI summary
A method to control 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 provided with a first drive shaft, which is mechanically connected only to the first electric generator; and a second generation assembly having a second electric generator, which is mechanically independent of the first electric generator, and a second internal combustion engine provided with a second drive shaft, which is mechanically connected only to the second electric generator. The control method comprises the steps of: controlling the two internal combustion engines in a synchronous manner so as to cause the two internal combustion engines to rotate at the same rotation speed in order to obtain a regular sound generation; or controlling the two internal combustion engines in an asynchronous manner so as to cause the two internal combustion engines to rotate at different rotation speeds in order to obtain an irregular sound generation.