Hybrid Vehicle Control System Decoupling Accelerator Input from Engine Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges when drivers aggressively engage the accelerator, leading to the auxiliary power source being activated immediately, which can give a false impression of engine-based propulsion and negatively impact drive quality due to noticeable engine activation during heavy load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that delays the activation of the auxiliary power source, such as an internal combustion engine, by predicting the need for it based on the state-of-charge of the battery and power train load, allowing the battery state-of-charge to temporarily dip below its normal range to decouple the accelerator pedal engagement from engine activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary power source is activated immediately when the battery state-of-charge falls beneath a threshold during aggressive acceleration, then the vehicle can maintain propulsion capability, but the driver perceives a false impression of engine-based propulsion and experiences noticeable engine activation that negatively impacts drive quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery state-of-charge and propulsion requirements before activating the auxiliary power source. By predicting future battery depletion and planning auxiliary activation timing in advance, the system avoids immediate engine start while ensuring propulsion capability is maintained when truly needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the battery and auxiliary power source, introducing a prediction and delay mechanism that decouples the direct link between battery depletion and auxiliary activation. This intermediary layer allows the system to manage the transition smoothly without direct coupling.
2Power
If the auxiliary power source is activated immediately in response to propulsion requests during aggressive acceleration, then the vehicle can meet high power demands, but the activation is noticeable to the driver and creates a false impression of engine-based propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts auxiliary power source activation needs in advance by monitoring battery state-of-charge trends and propulsion requests. This preliminary prediction allows the system to delay auxiliary activation until the driver's aggressive acceleration input has subsided, preventing the harmful perception of immediate engine start during high-power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by deliberately delaying auxiliary power source activation even when power demands are high. This counter-intuitive delay prevents the harmful effect of noticeable engine activation during aggressive acceleration, while still ensuring power availability when truly necessary.
3Reliability
If the battery state-of-charge threshold is maintained strictly to ensure sufficient battery power, then the auxiliary power source must activate frequently during aggressive acceleration, but this increases the frequency of noticeable engine activations and reduces drive quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of auxiliary activation needs based on current battery state-of-charge and projected power demands. This allows the system to maintain a strict battery threshold while predicting when auxiliary activation will be needed, thereby reducing actual activation frequency by activating only when truly necessary rather than reacting to every threshold breach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of auxiliary power source activation based on real-time monitoring of battery state-of-charge, propulsion requests, and driver behavior patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliable battery power availability while optimizing auxiliary activation timing to minimize frequency and improve drive quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a hybrid vehicle, particularly one that includes both a primary and an auxiliary power source. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method seeks to decouple or disassociate a driver's engagement of an accelerator pedal with activation of an auxiliary power source, such as an internal combustion engine. This way, if the driver aggressively engages the accelerator pedal while the hybrid vehicle is being propelled by a battery and an electrical motor, the method will delay activation of the internal combustion engine so that the two events do not appear to be linked or connected to one another. Delaying activation of the internal combustion engine while the electric motor is under a heavy stress load may also improve the drive quality of the hybrid vehicle.