Hybrid EV Engine Clutch Switching for Multi-Motor Efficiency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in optimizing the efficiency of their powertrain systems, which consist of an engine and multiple motors, as existing technologies lack effective cooperative control methods to enhance driving efficiency and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric vehicle system with an engine clutch connected to multiple motors, where a controller determines the operating points of the engine and motors based on requested power, battery state of charge, and efficiency maps to optimize engagement and disengagement of the engine clutch, ensuring optimal operation in various driving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple motors are placed at different positions in the hybrid electric vehicle, then the driving efficiency and system flexibility are improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into dedicated control units for each motor (first motor control unit and second motor control unit) plus an engine control unit. Each control unit independently manages its respective motor's operating point based on power requests and efficiency maps, dividing the complex multi-motor control problem into manageable independent segments that can be coordinated through the power distribution mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating points of the engine and multiple motors in real-time based on varying power requests, battery state of charge, and efficiency maps. The controller continuously optimizes the distribution of power among the engine, first motor, and second motor to maintain optimal efficiency across different driving conditions, making the control system adaptive rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the engine clutch is engaged to connect the engine and motor, then the powertrain system can operate in hybrid mode, but the system efficiency may decrease due to mechanical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the powertrain by dynamically adjusting the state of the engine clutch (engaged/disengaged) based on real-time conditions including power requests, battery state of charge, and efficiency maps. This allows the system to switch between series-hybrid mode (clutch disengaged) and parallel-hybrid mode (clutch engaged), optimizing for either electrical efficiency or mechanical power transfer efficiency depending on the operating conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is driven independently without clutch engagement, then the battery can be charged efficiently, but the vehicle cannot utilize mechanical power from the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between different operational modes: during certain periods the engine runs independently to charge the battery (series-hybrid mode with clutch disengaged), while during other periods the clutch is engaged to utilize mechanical power from the engine (parallel-hybrid mode). This periodic alternation between charging-focused mode and power-focused mode allows the system to optimize both battery charging efficiency and mechanical power utilization over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric vehicle and a driving control method therefor are disclosed. The hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine clutch connected at one end of the engine clutch to a first motor, which is directly connected to an engine, and connected at the other end of the engine clutch to a second motor. The hybrid electric vehicle also includes a battery electrically connected to the first motor and the second motor. The hybrid electric vehicle also includes a controller configured to determine an operating point of the second motor, an operating point of the engine, and an operating point of the first motor.