Hybrid Powertrain Cooling Flow Control for Motor and Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid powertrains require efficient cooling of both motors and transmissions without separate cooling devices, while minimizing drive loss and improving fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain-cooling system with an electric oil pump, pressure control valve, and flow rate control device that adjusts fluid flow rates to individual components, using a controller to manage the electric oil pump's RPM and fluid distribution to optimize cooling performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate cooling device is provided for the motor, then motor cooling performance is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor cooling function with the transmission cooling system by using a common cooling fluid circulation path. The cooling fluid flows through both the transmission and motor, integrating two separate cooling requirements into a single system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective motor cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - cooling the transmission and cooling the motor through the same fluid circulation system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling devices for each component.
2Temperature
If cooling fluid flow rate to the motor is increased, then motor cooling performance is improved, but energy consumption of the electric oil pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cooling fluid flow rate based on real-time motor temperature conditions. When motor temperature exceeds a threshold, the controller increases the electric oil pump's RPM to enhance cooling; when temperature is within acceptable range, the pump operates at lower RPM, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors motor temperature and uses this feedback to adjust the electric oil pump's operation. The system continuously adapts the cooling fluid flow rate based on actual thermal conditions, ensuring optimal cooling performance with minimal energy expenditure.
3Temperature
If the electric oil pump operates at high RPM continuously, then cooling performance is improved, but drive loss and fuel efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous high-RPM operation, the electric oil pump operates periodically at elevated speeds only when motor temperature exceeds the threshold. The controller intermittently increases pump RPM based on thermal conditions, providing necessary cooling while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and drive loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electric oil pump based on motor temperature. The pump RPM is adjusted dynamically - operating at lower speeds during normal conditions and increasing to higher speeds only when cooling demand arises, thereby optimizing the balance between cooling performance and energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances motor-cooling performance and improves fuel efficiency by ensuring precise fluid flow to each component, minimizing drive loss and optimizing the electric oil pump's operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric oil pump
Implementation Method 2
a pressure control valve, which includes an input port receiving fluid discharged from the electric oil pump, an output port outputting the fluid to a transmission while adjusting the pressure of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
configured for cooling a motor, forming a hybrid powertrain, simultaneously with a transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A powertrain-cooling system of a hybrid vehicle may include an electric oil pump, a pressure control valve, which includes an input port receiving fluid discharged from the electric oil pump, an output port outputting the fluid to a transmission while adjusting the pressure of the fluid, and a drain port discharging a portion of the fluid in accordance with adjustment of the pressure of the fluid, a first motor cooling path connecting the drain port of the pressure control valve to a first motor forming a hybrid powertrain, and a controller electrically connected to the electric oil pump and configured for controlling the electric oil pump to cool the transmission and the first motor.