Hybrid Vehicle Control Device Managing Discharge Power and Heat Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face challenges in extending Electric Vehicle (EV) running mode while managing heat load on electrical components, as frequent engine starts due to high power demands increase heat stress and costs when enhancing heat resistance.
Innovation Solution
A control device for hybrid vehicles that includes a running mode control unit, determination unit, and discharge allowable power control unit, which increases discharge allowable power when the internal combustion engine is stopped during EV running mode to minimize engine starts and reduce heat load on electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle runs using only the electric motor with the internal combustion engine stopped (EV running), then the demand for extending EV running is met, but the heat load on electrical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge allowable power is made dynamic by adjusting it based on the running mode and engine operation state. When the vehicle is in EV running mode with the engine stopped, the discharge allowable power is increased to allow higher power output from the power storage device, enabling extended EV running without excessively increasing heat load on electrical components during engine-starting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of discharge allowable power based on the running mode and engine operation state. By setting different discharge allowable power values for different operating conditions (EV mode with engine stopped vs. other modes), the system optimizes both EV running duration and heat load management on electrical components.
2Power
If the discharge allowable power is increased to extend EV running, then the running power is sufficient, but the heat load on electrical components increases during engine starting
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge allowable power is dynamically adjusted based on the engine operation state. When the engine is stopped and the vehicle is in EV running mode, the discharge allowable power is set to a higher value to provide sufficient running power. When the engine is operating or starting, the discharge allowable power is reduced to minimize heat load on electrical components, thus resolving the contradiction between power availability and heat management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the discharge allowable power parameter according to different operating conditions. By setting the discharge allowable power to a first value when the engine is stopped and in EV mode, and to a second (lower) value when the engine is operating, the patent achieves both sufficient running power and reduced heat load on electrical components during engine starting operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ECU (15) includes a running mode control unit (152), a Wout control unit (154), and an engine start/stop determination unit (156). The running mode control unit (152) controls switching of a running mode including a CD mode in which an engine (ENG) is stopped and running using a motor generator (MG2) alone is given priority, and a CS mode in which the engine (ENG) is operated and the SOC of a power storage device (10) is maintained at a predetermined target. The engine start/stop determination unit (156) carries out a start determination of the engine (ENG) based on a discharge allowable power (Wout) indicating electric power that can be discharged by the power storage device (10). The Wout control unit (154) modifies the discharge allowable power (Wout) based on the running mode and operation/stop of the engine (ENG).