Hybrid Vehicle Controller Battery Degradation Threshold
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid motor vehicles, the battery degradation is accelerated when the engine and electric motors are controlled to output torque during engine stop, leading to increased charge/discharge power, which can further degrade the battery.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to adjust the threshold values based on battery degradation, setting a lower second threshold value when degradation exceeds a certain level, reducing engine stop events and charge/discharge power, thereby minimizing battery degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the engine and electric motors are controlled to output torque during engine stop, then the vehicle can maintain required torque output, but the battery degradation is accelerated due to increased charge/discharge power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the second threshold value adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically modifies the second threshold value based on real-time battery state assessments, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining required torque output and protecting battery health depending on battery condition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the second threshold value based on battery degradation state. When battery degradation is detected, the controller modifies this threshold parameter to prevent high-power charge/discharge events that would further degrade the battery, while still allowing torque output control during engine stop
2Use of energy by moving object
If the second threshold value is set higher, then the engine stops more frequently improving fuel efficiency, but the battery undergoes more frequent high-power charge/discharge events causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the second threshold value parameter dynamically based on battery degradation state. When the battery is healthy, a higher threshold enables frequent engine stops for fuel efficiency. When degradation is detected, the threshold is adjusted to reduce high-power charge/discharge events, balancing fuel efficiency with battery protection
3Use of energy by moving object
If the engine operates intermittently to maintain efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the battery must handle larger charge/discharge power variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the second threshold value parameter based on battery condition to control the magnitude of charge/discharge power. By lowering this threshold when battery degradation is detected, the system reduces the power variations the battery must handle, while still maintaining intermittent engine operation for fuel efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid motor vehicle includes a controller configured to: control an engine and a motor so that when power required of the vehicle increases to or above a first threshold value during stop of the engine, the engine outputs the required power until the required power decreases to or below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value; control the engine and the motor so that when the required power decreases to or below the second threshold value during operation of the engine, the engine is in a stopped state until the required power increases to or above the first threshold value; and set the second threshold value so that the second threshold value is smaller when degree of degradation of the battery exceeds a threshold value than when the degree of degradation of the batter is less than or equal to the threshold value.