Hybrid Vehicle Control Apparatus for Drive Force Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles experience a mismatch between driver expectations and actual output characteristics when the engine is operated, leading to dissatisfaction due to similar acceleration outputs in engine-only and engine-electric motor drive states, resulting in a need for enhanced drivability based on engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for hybrid vehicles that selectively establishes drive states using a clutch to manage power transmission between the engine and wheels, allowing the vehicle to generate more drive force when the engine is operational, especially when the accelerator pedal is operated, by utilizing both electric motor and engine power sources effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is operated to generate electric energy in series hybrid mode, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the vehicle drive force is reduced compared to parallel hybrid mode
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus dynamically adjusts output characteristics based on the operational state of the engine. When the engine is operating, the system increases the vehicle drive force in series hybrid mode to match the driver's psychological expectation of sporty running, thereby optimizing the balance between fuel efficiency and driving performance through real-time dynamic control
2Speed
If the engine is started to provide sporty running characteristics, then vehicle acceleration is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus changes the output characteristic parameters based on the engine's operational state. In series hybrid mode with the engine operating, the system adjusts the vehicle drive force to provide sporty acceleration characteristics, allowing the engine to remain on while delivering high performance without the penalty of continuous fuel consumption in parallel hybrid mode
3Device complexity
If the output characteristic is kept identical between EV mode and series hybrid mode, then control simplicity is maintained, but driver satisfaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus applies different output characteristics to different operational modes. Specifically, when the engine is operating in series hybrid mode, a distinct output characteristic is applied that provides enhanced vehicle drive force, creating a localized optimization that improves driver satisfaction without complicating the overall control system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control apparatus configured to selectively establish one of a first drive state in which a vehicle drive force is generated primarily by a second motor/generator operated with an electric energy supplied from an electric-energy storage device while an engine is placed in a rest state, and a second drive state in which a first motor/generator is operated with a drive force of the engine, to generate an electric energy and in which the vehicle drive force is generated primarily by the second motor/generator operated with at least the electric energy generated by the first motor/generator. The vehicle control apparatus is further configured such that the vehicle drive force generated in the second drive state at a given value of an accelerator pedal operation amount θacc is larger than that generated in the first drive state.