Regenerative Braking Control for HEV Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) face challenges in optimizing regenerative braking systems to efficiently capture kinetic energy and maintain safe distances from nearby vehicles, especially in adaptive and dynamic traffic conditions, due to limitations in existing control systems and sensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a driveline system with an electric machine, clutch, battery, and advanced controllers that utilize proximity sensors and adaptive cruise signals to adjust deceleration rates and torque levels, enabling regenerative braking while maintaining a lead-lag distance from nearby vehicles, and seamlessly transitioning between regenerative and friction braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is applied to capture kinetic energy, then energy recovery is improved, but control complexity increases due to coordination with friction brakes and proximity sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines regenerative braking and friction braking systems into a unified braking control system. The controller coordinates both braking mechanisms to work together, merging their functions to achieve efficient energy recovery while maintaining simple control architecture. This resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple braking functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages regenerative braking, friction braking, proximity sensor data processing, and adaptive cruise control. By making the controller universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite the sophisticated braking capabilities. This single controller handles all braking-related decisions and coordinates all braking components.
2Reliability
If deceleration rate is increased to maintain safe distance from nearby vehicles, then safety is improved, but energy recovery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of deceleration rate based on real-time proximity sensor data and traffic conditions. The controller continuously adapts the deceleration profile to maintain safe distances while optimizing energy recovery. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between safety-priority and energy-recovery-priority modes depending on situational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the deceleration parameter dynamically based on nearby vehicle detection and distance measurements. When safety is paramount, the deceleration rate increases; when conditions allow, the rate optimizes for energy recovery. This parameter adjustment strategy enables the system to balance safety and energy efficiency in different operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proximity sensors and adaptive cruise control are integrated, then safety and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that handles proximity sensor data, adaptive cruise control logic, regenerative braking management, and friction braking coordination. By consolidating these functions into a single controller, the patent achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making one component do many things rather than adding separate dedicated components for each function.
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 solution enhances energy recovery during braking, improves safety by maintaining optimal distances from nearby vehicles, and optimizes vehicle performance by integrating regenerative and friction braking systems for efficient energy management and adaptive control.
Implementation Method 1
the electric machine to regenerate electric power with negative torque by capturing kinetic energy from the transmission and wheels
Implementation Method 2
wheels having friction, regenerative, and/or combination regenerative-friction brakes
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and methods for operation having a powertrain that includes an engine, an electric machine and storage battery, and a transmission coupled via a drive shaft to wheels having regenerative-friction brakes. The HEV and transmission incorporate regenerative and adaptive braking and a capability to detect nearby obstacles and other vehicles. Such controllers monitor and report the nearby-vehicle distance and a brake pedal tip-lift time and position. In response, the controller(s) cause the electric machine to generate electric power with negative torque, which decelerates the transmission and wheels at a constant or variable rate, adjusted so the nearby-vehicle distance during deceleration equals or exceeds a predetermined, lead-lag distance to nearby vehicles or obstacles. An adaptive cruise signal may also be generated that may indicate driver vehicle preferred settings and profiles, and constant, adjustable, learned, and driver selectable deceleration profiles, which are utilized to control deceleration during braking.