Hybrid Vehicle Control Device Catalyst Heating and Output Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicle control systems face issues with catalyst temperature management and output divergence when shifting from electric-only to hybrid drive modes, leading to potential exhaust gas deterioration and performance gaps.
Innovation Solution
A control device with upper limit calculation sections for motor, engine, and system outputs, which adjusts drive modes based on battery charge, catalyst temperature, and engine heating to ensure optimal output alignment and catalyst activation, thereby preventing exhaust gas deterioration and output divergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the drive mode is shifted to the second drive mode (engine operation started) when battery charge amount becomes small, then the battery charge amount is maintained, but the catalyst temperature may be below activation temperature causing exhaust gas deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary heating of the catalyst before starting engine operation by operating the heater element. This preliminary action ensures the catalyst reaches activation temperature before exhaust gas treatment begins, preventing exhaust gas deterioration while still allowing timely mode switching to maintain battery charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device provides a buffer by pre-heating the catalyst and maintaining it at activation temperature using the heater element before engine operation commences. This cushioning effect ensures that even if engine operation starts immediately after mode switching, the catalyst is already ready to treat exhaust gas effectively.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine output is restricted after starting engine operation, then exhaust gas properties are maintained, but the hybrid system cannot meet high output requests
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts engine output based on real-time conditions. When catalyst temperature is below activation temperature, engine output is restricted to maintain exhaust gas properties. When catalyst temperature reaches activation temperature, engine output can be increased to meet high power requests, providing dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the operating parameters of the engine based on catalyst temperature. When catalyst temperature is low, engine output parameter is restricted. When catalyst temperature reaches activation range, engine output parameter is increased, allowing the hybrid system to meet high output requests while maintaining exhaust gas properties when needed.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the catalyst temperature is increased to activation temperature before engine operation, then exhaust gas purification is improved, but additional energy is consumed for heating
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses the heater element that is already part of the exhaust system to heat the catalyst. This self-service approach utilizes existing system components rather than requiring separate heating systems, minimizing additional energy consumption while achieving effective catalyst activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater element operates continuously or in extended periods to maintain catalyst temperature at activation level. This continuous useful action ensures the catalyst is always ready for effective exhaust gas purification, eliminating the need for repeated heating cycles and optimizing energy utilization.
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
The solution effectively manages catalyst temperature and output alignment, preventing exhaust gas deterioration and ensuring the hybrid system meets requested outputs without exceeding engine limitations, even when catalyst temperature is outside the activation range.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of a catalyst located in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine may have not reached an activation temperature range. The activation temperature range is the temperature range that allows the catalyst to sufficiently purify the exhaust gas.
Implementation Method 2
the catalyst heating section, which increases the temperature of the catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided. When a first drive mode is selected as the drive mode of the hybrid vehicle, a control section shifts the drive mode to a second drive mode when a charge amount of a battery for an electric motor becomes smaller than or equal to a determination charge amount. The first drive mode operates the electric motor while an internal combustion engine is stopped. The second drive mode permits the operation of the internal combustion engine. The control section executes a shifting process when the upper limit system output is lower than or equal to a startup determination output even though the charge amount of the battery is greater than the determination charge amount. The shifting process shifts the drive mode to the second drive mode to start the internal combustion engine.