Hybrid Powertrain AC Compressor Drive Switching for Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems in hybrid vehicles lack efficient control mechanisms to optimize energy usage and reduce costs, particularly in managing the drive sources for the air conditioning compressor.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling an air conditioning compressor in a hybrid powertrain, where the compressor can be driven by an internal combustion engine, first electric machine, or second electric machine, depending on the vehicle's operating mode and the desired air conditioning settings, with the ability to decouple the compressor from the powertrain when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioning compressor is driven by multiple possible drive sources (internal combustion engine, first electric machine, second electric machine), then the adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different drive sources for the air conditioning compressor based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit dynamically selects which drive source (internal combustion engine, first electric machine, or second electric machine) should power the compressor, allowing the system to adapt to varying vehicle operating modes such as electric-only driving, hybrid driving, or engine-only operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning compressor is designed with universal drive capability, accepting power from multiple different drive sources. The compressor itself remains a single component, but its drive system is made multi-functional by incorporating connections and control logic that allow it to be powered by any of the three available drive sources depending on system needs and operating conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the air conditioning compressor is decoupled from the powertrain when not needed, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the reliability of air conditioning function decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically couples and decouples the air conditioning compressor from different drive sources based on operational requirements. When the vehicle is operating in electric-only mode or during high-load driving conditions, the compressor can be decoupled from the internal combustion engine to improve energy efficiency. The control unit monitors system needs and dynamically re-establishes connections when air conditioning functionality is required, ensuring reliability while optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the coupling and decoupling of the air conditioning compressor from the powertrain. It monitors both the energy efficiency requirements and the air conditioning needs, making intelligent decisions about when to disconnect the compressor from the powertrain and when to reconnect it, thereby balancing energy efficiency with functional reliability.
3Productivity
If the air conditioning compressor is switched off during high load requirements, then the productivity of the drive system is improved, but the comfort of occupants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic priority management where the control unit continuously evaluates drive system productivity requirements against occupant comfort needs. During high-load driving conditions, the compressor may be temporarily switched off to maximize drive system productivity. However, the system dynamically monitors comfort parameters and will restore air conditioning operation when drive load decreases, ensuring that comfort requirements are met while optimizing productivity during high-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning compressor operation is managed through periodic assessment and adjustment. The control unit periodically evaluates whether the compressor should be operating or switched off based on current drive conditions. This periodic decision-making allows the system to temporarily suspend compressor operation during high-load periods to maintain productivity, while ensuring that comfort is restored through periodic re-evaluation and resumption of air conditioning function when conditions permit.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling an air conditioning compressor in a hybrid powertrain of a motor vehicle. The hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric machine, and a second electric machine electric machines and the internal combustion engine are selectively connected to the air conditioning compressor so as to function as a drive of the air conditioning compressor. At least one of the first electric second electric machine, or the internal combustion engine is selected as the drive is selected based on a selection by an occupant of the motor vehicle. The selected drive is actuated to drive the air conditioning compressor.