Hybrid Vehicle Charge Mode Control for SOC and Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in managing State Of Charge (SOC) levels, leading to frequent engine on/off situations that lower fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control method for hybrid vehicles that divides the travel path into sections based on expected vehicle speed and determines charge modes for the battery, optimizing SOC management by selectively engaging the engine and drive motor to minimize fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is frequently turned on and off to manage SOC levels, then the battery charge level is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation device determines the traveling path and expected vehicle speed in advance before the vehicle departs. The controller uses this pre-acquired information to plan battery charging strategies ahead of time, identifying optimal sections for engine charging versus motor-only operation, thereby avoiding frequent reactive engine start-stop actions that waste fuel
Solution Approach 2:
The controller divides the entire traveling path into multiple traveling sections based on expected vehicle speed variations. Each section is assigned a specific charge mode (first charge mode for high-speed sections, second charge mode for low-speed sections), allowing differentiated SOC management strategies for different path segments rather than uniform engine operation
2Reliability
If the engine is kept running continuously to charge the battery, then SOC levels are maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic charging actions only in specific traveling sections where the engine is activated to charge the battery, rather than continuous operation. The charging occurs periodically at optimal points along the traveling path identified by the navigation device, reducing overall fuel consumption while maintaining SOC levels
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters dynamically by selecting different charge modes based on traveling section characteristics and initial SOC values. The first charge mode engages the engine for charging in high-speed sections, while the second charge mode uses motor regeneration in low-speed sections, optimizing the balance between SOC maintenance and fuel consumption
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
Improves fuel efficiency by optimizing battery charging modes based on average vehicle speed and SOC profiles, reducing engine on/off situations and enhancing driver experience.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor which is selectively coupled to the engine and generates power and is selectively operated as a generator to generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
an engine which generates power by combustion of fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a drive motor selectively operated as a generator to generate electrical energy; a battery charged with the electrical energy generated in the drive motor; a navigation device determining a travelling path of the hybrid vehicle from a departure of the hybrid vehicle to a destination of the hybrid vehicle and an expected vehicle speed of the travelling path; and a controller which divides an entire travelling path of the hybrid vehicle expected by the navigation device into one or more travelling sections based on the travelling information, determines an average vehicle speed of each travelling section, an average vehicle speed of the entire travelling path, and travelling energy of the vehicle in each travelling section, determines an expected State Of Charge (SOC) profile of the battery based on the travelling energy, and determines a charge mode of the battery based on the average vehicle speed and an initial SOC value of the expected SOC profile.