Hybrid Vehicle Controller PM Filter Notification Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicles, regenerating the particulate matter filter is challenging when the vehicle is in normal or economy mode, as active engine use is limited, making it difficult to notify drivers of filter regeneration needs without causing unease, especially in Charge Depleting mode where the engine is stopped.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid vehicle controller that estimates particulate matter deposition and switches between modes to control engine and motor usage, limiting notifications to when the vehicle is in sport mode and the deposition amount exceeds a threshold, avoiding notifications in normal or economy modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the driver is notified that the filter needs to be regenerated in normal mode or economy mode, then the driver can be informed of the filter status, but the driver may feel uneasy because regeneration is difficult in these modes
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system applies different information display policies to different driving modes. In charge sustaining mode where regeneration is feasible, the system provides filter status notifications. In charge depleting mode where regeneration is difficult, the system withholds notifications to avoid driver anxiety. This localized information provision based on system state resolves the contradiction between informing the driver and maintaining driver peace of mind.
2Loss of energy
If the vehicle operates in charge depleting mode with engine stopped, then fuel consumption is reduced, but filter regeneration cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the operating mode. In charge depleting mode, the system prioritizes fuel economy by keeping the engine stopped and does not attempt regeneration. When switched to charge sustaining mode, the system enables regeneration capability. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize fuel consumption while maintaining regeneration capability when conditions permit.
3Reliability
If the vehicle operates in sport mode with high engine load, then filter regeneration is effective, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic high-load engine operation in sport mode to perform filter regeneration, rather than continuous operation. The notification is timed to appear when the vehicle is in sport mode, prompting the driver to maintain this mode temporarily to complete regeneration. This periodic action achieves effective regeneration while minimizing fuel consumption by only requiring high-load operation when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid vehicle controller includes processing circuitry configured to execute a particulate matter (PM) deposition amount estimation process that estimates a deposition amount of PM deposited in the filter. The processing circuitry is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode as a control mode that defines control of the engine and the motor. A use of the engine is limited in the first mode as compared with the second mode. The processing circuitry is configured to execute a display process that notifies a user that the filter needs to be regenerated when the control mode is the second mode if the estimated deposition amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and not to execute the display process when the control mode is the first mode even if the deposition amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount.