Engine Idle Speed Control for High Electrical Load Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
At low engine speeds, engine-driven electrical generators produce insufficient power to meet higher electrical demands in vehicles, leading to potential system failures or reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A control system that increases engine speed above nominal idle when the electrical load exceeds a threshold, particularly when the brake is applied, to enhance generator output, and reduces engine speed as the brake is released to prevent torque jerking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine operates at nominal idle speed, then fuel consumption is minimized and emissions are reduced, but the electrical generator produces insufficient power to meet higher electrical demands
Solution Approach 1:
The engine control system dynamically adjusts the engine speed based on real-time electrical load conditions. When electrical demand exceeds the generator's output at nominal idle speed, the controller increases engine speed to boost generator power output. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to meet varying electrical demands while minimizing fuel consumption during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter (engine speed) from the fixed nominal idle speed to a higher speed when electrical load conditions require increased power output. The controller monitors electrical load conditions and adjusts the engine speed parameter accordingly, transforming the engine operation from a static idle state to a variable speed state that optimizes both power output and fuel efficiency.
2Power
If the engine speed is increased to boost generator output, then electrical power supply is improved, but torque jerk occurs when the brake is released
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary detection of brake status and electrical load conditions before adjusting engine speed. When the brake is detected to be applied and electrical demand is high, the system pre-adjusts engine speed to an elevated level. When the brake is released, the system proactively reduces engine speed back to nominal idle, preventing torque jerk before it occurs. This preliminary action ensures smooth transitions and eliminates harmful torque variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring brake status through brake sensors and electrical load conditions. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts engine speed in real-time. When the brake is released, the feedback signal triggers immediate engine speed reduction to prevent torque jerk, ensuring smooth vehicle operation while maintaining adequate electrical power supply when needed.
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
This approach ensures sufficient electrical power is supplied to vehicle systems during high demand and reduces torque jerk upon brake release, improving passenger comfort and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The generator is driven by the engine to produce an output of electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an idle speed of an engine of a vehicle, includes the steps of determining that the engine is decelerating to or is operating at a nominal idle speed, determining that a vehicle brake is applied, determining an actual or projected electrical load of at least part of a vehicle electrical system is beyond an electrical load threshold, and increasing the engine speed to or maintaining the speed of the engine at a speed greater than the nominal idle speed range as a function of the electrical load to increase the electrical output of a generator coupled to the engine. The method may include determining that the brake is ceasing to be applied and then decreasing the engine speed to or toward the nominal idle speed.