Hybrid Vehicle Control Device for Catalyst Warm-up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face the challenge of consuming battery power for cooling while the engine is not operating, leading to a lower state of charge and excessive exhaust gas emission during catalyst warm-up, as the engine is driven to generate necessary power.
Innovation Solution
A control device that determines the necessity of catalyst warm-up and controls auxiliary machinery like air-conditioning based on the battery's state of charge, ensuring sufficient power for motor-driven vehicle operation and preventing excessive gas emission by prohibiting unnecessary machinery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling apparatus is driven by the electric power of the battery while the engine is not operating, then cooling can be performed, but the state of charge of the battery may be lower than necessary for running the vehicle with the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the cooling apparatus based on real-time battery state of charge levels. When SOC is high, the cooling apparatus operates normally; when SOC drops below a threshold, the system reduces or stops cooling apparatus operation to preserve battery power for essential vehicle functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling apparatus operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously when battery power is limited. The control unit activates the cooling apparatus intermittently based on battery SOC levels, allowing the engine to remain off while still providing necessary cooling when power is available.
2Power
If the engine is driven to generate necessary power during catalyst warm-up, then the vehicle can run, but exhaust gas in an amount exceeding purifying capability of the catalyst may be emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors catalyst temperature and adjusts engine operation accordingly. During warm-up, the system feedback-controls the engine to maintain it at idle or low-power operation, preventing excessive exhaust gas generation while ensuring the catalyst reaches its purifying temperature. The system compares real-time catalyst temperature against target thresholds and adjusts engine output to stay within purifying capability limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes engine operating parameters during catalyst warm-up, specifically maintaining the engine at idle speed or low-load operation rather than full power. This parameter adjustment ensures the engine generates sufficient power for vehicle operation while limiting exhaust gas production to amounts the warming catalyst can purify.
3Ease of operation
If auxiliary machinery is used during catalyst warm-up, then comfort functions are available, but the state of charge of the power storage mechanism decreases below the level necessary for running the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The availability of auxiliary machinery dynamically changes based on battery SOC levels. When SOC is above the threshold, auxiliary machinery such as air-conditioning can operate. When SOC drops below the threshold during catalyst warm-up, the control unit automatically restricts or shuts off auxiliary machinery to preserve battery power for essential vehicle operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid ECU executes a program including the steps of: calculating an SOC of a battery when turn-on of pre-air-conditioning is requested; prohibiting pre-air-conditioning when the SOC does not satisfy a condition that the SOC is greater than an SOC (Y %) necessary for warm-up and running; and notifying a driver of prohibition of pre-air-conditioning.