Hybrid Vehicle Controller Engine Startup Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies due to the delay in engine startup, leading to increased battery power consumption when high power is required, causing motor overload and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling hybrid vehicles that calculates a startup reference value for the engine based on requested power, predicts future speed, and generates a compensation value to adjust the startup operation, allowing for timely engine startup and reducing motor and battery overload by deciding whether to drive the motor alone or in conjunction with the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine startup is delayed to allow it to warm up, then the engine can operate more efficiently, but the motor must compensate by consuming more battery power and may become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts future power requirements based on current vehicle speed, acceleration, and road gradient, then proactively starts the engine in advance before the power is actually needed. This preliminary action ensures the engine is ready to provide power when required, avoiding motor overload and excessive battery consumption while maintaining efficient engine operation.
2Power
If the engine starts immediately when high power is needed, then the motor overload is avoided, but the engine may not be ready to provide sufficient power due to startup time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates future power requirements and initiates engine startup in advance, converting the time delay from a disadvantage into a managed parameter. By predicting when power will be needed and starting the engine beforehand, the system ensures power availability without wasting excessive time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions including speed, acceleration, and power demand, using this feedback to dynamically adjust engine startup timing. This closed-loop control ensures the engine starts at the optimal moment to provide required power while minimizing startup time impact.
3Loss of energy
If the motor operates alone for extended periods, then the engine can remain off and save fuel, but the battery becomes overloaded and power management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors battery state of charge, temperature, and power output capacity in real-time, using this feedback to determine the optimal timing for engine startup. When battery conditions indicate approaching overload thresholds, the engine is activated in advance to share the power burden, preventing battery damage while minimizing fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Based on predicted driving conditions and current battery status, the controller proactively engages the engine before battery overload occurs. This preliminary intervention distributes power demands between the motor and engine, protecting battery performance while maintaining fuel efficiency through selective engine operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a motor and an engine includes: calculating a first startup reference value of the engine on the basis of requested power of the hybrid vehicle; measuring a current speed of the hybrid vehicle, and predicting a future speed of the hybrid vehicle; generating a compensation value needed to compensate for the first startup reference value of the engine on the basis of a difference between the current speed and the future speed of the hybrid vehicle; acquiring a second startup reference value of the engine by compensating for the first startup reference value on the basis of the compensation value; and controlling a startup operation of the engine according to the second startup reference value acquired through compensation.