HEV Fuel Pump Control for Battery Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) face inefficiencies in fuel pump power management, particularly when the internal combustion engine (ICE) is not being used, leading to unnecessary battery power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and control circuit for a hybrid electric vehicle fuel system that cycles the powertrain between electric and mechanical modes, depowers the fuel pump when the engine is off, and further depowers it if the fuel line pressure is above a threshold during deceleration fuel shut-off mode, utilizing a controller with engine, fuel pump, and fuel injector command logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel pump is kept running to maintain fuel system pressure, then fuel delivery readiness is improved, but battery power consumption increases unnecessarily when the engine is not being used
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel pump control system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time engine state and fuel pressure conditions. The controller monitors engine commanded state and fuel pressure sensor readings, switching the pump between on and off states to optimize the balance between fuel delivery readiness and battery power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fuel pressure sensor feedback to determine when the fuel pump can be safely turned off. When the engine is commanded off and fuel pressure exceeds the threshold, the controller receives feedback indicating sufficient pressure in the fuel line, allowing the pump to be depowered while maintaining adequate fuel delivery capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fuel pump is turned off during engine shutdown, then battery power conservation is improved, but fuel line pressure may drop below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of fuel pressure conditions before turning off the fuel pump. By checking whether fuel pressure is already above the threshold when the engine is commanded off, the system ensures that pump shutdown will not cause pressure to drop below required levels for subsequent engine starts.
3Reliability
If the fuel pump operates during deceleration fuel shut-off mode, then fuel injectors can maintain pressure, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when pressure threshold is already exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameter of the fuel pump from on to off based on the fuel pressure parameter. When fuel pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold during deceleration fuel shut-off mode, the controller changes the pump state to off, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining sufficient pressure through the existing fuel system pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of controlling an engine fuel pump in a hybrid-electric vehicle. The method includes: cycling a vehicle powertrain between an electric mode, where an engine is commanded off, and a mechanical mode, where the engine is commanded on; depowering an engine fuel pump when the engine is commanded off; and determining if the engine is operating in a fuel shut-off mode.